NASCAR Driver Returns to Sport After Six Years Away
Kauy Ostlien
June 9, 2026
What’s Happening?
Brendan Gaughan is making his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series after making his most recent NASCAR National Series start in the Cup Series six years ago.
- Gaughan, an eight-time winner in the Truck Series, has not raced in a Truck Series race since 2013. But the former series regular will make his return with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing next weekend at the San Diego Street Circuit.
- The 50-year-old Las Vegas native made his Truck Series debut in 1997 and was a familiar face in the series, across the three NASCAR National Series, well into the 2020 season. In his most recent NASCAR start, Gaughan finished 35th for Beard Motorsports at the 2020 Talladega playoff race.
- While Gaughan may not be remembered for his road course prowess, he did have moments. This included his first-ever win in what is now the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2014 at Road America.
- Of course, Gaughan won’t be the only one playing catch-up during the first-ever race at San Diego, as several other NASCAR legends are either returning to the Truck Series or the sport as a whole. This list currently includes Jamie McMurray and Jimmie Johnson.
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