Full Breakdown
Brent Crews Named Full-Time Driver for Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 19 Toyota in 2026
11/28/2025, 2:20:22 PM
Announcement of Driver Change
Joe Gibbs Racing has officially announced that Brent Crews will drive the No. 19 Toyota full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. This decision comes despite Crews missing four of the first seven races of the season due to his age, as he turns 18 on March 30, 2026. The No. 19 car, previously driven by Aric Almirola, was a key player in the 2025 season, securing the owner championship for the team.
2025 Season Recap
In the 2025 season, the No. 19 team, with Almirola as the primary driver, achieved three wins, allowing them to qualify for the owner playoffs and ultimately finish as the owner champion. The owner and driver championships in NASCAR operate separately, which was highlighted by the fact that Jesse Love, who drove for the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing team, secured the driver championship while his team finished fifth in the owner standings.
Complications in Playoffs
The playoff structure in NASCAR creates distinct paths for owner and driver competitions. The No. 19 team qualified for the owner playoffs, while the No. 25 AM Racing team did not, despite Harrison Burton qualifying as a driver. Additionally, Austin Hill's No. 21 team faced penalties that affected their playoff points, complicating the standings further.
Future Prospects for Joe Gibbs Racing
As the 2026 season approaches, the future strategy for Joe Gibbs Racing regarding the "star car" designation remains uncertain. With Brent Crews confirmed as the driver for the No. 19 Toyota alongside Brandon Jones in the No. 20 Toyota, the team will focus on maintaining its championship status. The 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Season is set to commence on February 14, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway, with the United Rentals 300 broadcast live on the CW Network.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised questions about the decision to appoint Crews as the full-time driver given his limited experience, particularly since he will miss several races at the start of the season. Critics argue that this could hinder the team's performance in the early part of the season, potentially impacting their chances of retaining the owner championship.
Official Statements & Responses
Joe Gibbs Racing has expressed confidence in Crews' abilities, emphasizing his potential to contribute to the team's success. The organization has yet to confirm drivers for the other entries, the No. 18 and No. 54 Toyotas, which adds an element of uncertainty to their overall strategy for the upcoming season.
What's Next
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Brent Crews to see how he adapts to the challenges of full-time racing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team's performance in the early races will be critical in determining their trajectory for the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “19 Toyota full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.” — Joe Gibbs Racing
- “19 team qualified for the 12-team owner playoffs, so the No.” — NASCAR Analyst
- “Whether Joe Gibbs Racing still opt to run a "star car" in 2026 remains to be seen, but with Crews set to join a lineup that currently only consists of himself and Brandon Jones (No.” — NASCAR Commentator
- “The 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Season is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, February 14 at Daytona International Speedway.” — NASCAR Official Statement
