By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
Ryan Truex will make his return to the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2018 with Kaulig Racing. At NASCAR Media Tour, Truex explained how the deal came together with the organization.
Since 2016, Matt Kaulig, owner of Kaulig Racing, has had his eye on the younger Truex. During the 2017 season, Truex’s father was strolling through the NXS garage and talked to Chris Rice, crew chief at Kaulig Racing, about options at the organization.
“My dad and Chris Rice have known each other for a while. My dad is always in the garage talking. He is always putting fillers to see what is out there. We knew there was an opportunity with a second team; we knew they were talking about it. That’s kinda how the talks started,” said Truex.
In December, there was still uncertainty for Truex as to what his plans for the next season would be. Truex was still searching for sponsorship to bring to Hattori Racing to fill in the gaps for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series program.
“I love the Truck Series, but it is tough to make it work. I don’t know if I hadn’t got this deal if there was an opportunity for me to go back into the Truck series without having to find more sponsorship than I already have. That was why in December I didn’t have a ride,” Truex stated.
The opportunity to join Kaulig Racing came out of thin air for Truex. In December, Truex flew to Ohio to meet Kaulig and from there a deal came into fruition. Truex signed the deal the night before it was announced.
“It was quicker than it looked. We announced two to three weeks ago. I signed the contract the night before. It came together really quick. In December, I honestly didn’t have anything. There were talks but nothing set in stone. Nothing I could talk about. It’s come along really quick and am excited about it,” said Truex.
“Honestly, I didn’t think it was happen because I am a pessimist when it comes to these things. Every time I have a deal or something, something falls through, whether it is sponsorship, or someone swoops in and grabs the ride before I can. I honestly did not think this would happen until the night before when I signed the contract. I never really count my chickens until they hatch.”
With this new deal, moving to Kaulig is the right pathway to the Cup level that Truex wants. He is excited about seeing what he can do with resources that the Richard Childress Racing alliance provides to the organization.
As with every year in NASCAR, Truex believes that this will be another make or break year for him but sees that things are trending up.
“I feel like that every year. I felt like that last year and the year before. You never know when your last or good opportunity is going to be. Before this past year, I thought mine had already come and gone. Now, I feel like it is here again. I felt that way last year. Honestly, I feel things are trending up but you have to prove yourself at all times,” said Truex.
At the age of 25, Truex knows that he must run well and showcase his talent on the track because he is not part of that next young crop of drivers.”
“If you are not running well, keeping your name out there, or showing what you can do, people are going to forget about you. I am 25 now; Basically, I am ancient in young driver terms. I have been around since I was 18. I feel like I have been doing this forever,” said Truex.
After five part-time seasons running in NXS, Truex is ready to tackle his first full-time season.