Toyota Racing Development has a problem, and while it’s more like an embarrassment of riches, it is still a problem. TRD’s teams are currently packed with talent at the Cup Series level, and it has a wealth of talent at NASCAR’s developmental levels. So, what can TRD do about its packed developmental ladder?
As difficult a choice as it is for TRD to decide between its outstanding developmental talent, many manufacturers would like to have this problem. While Chevrolet has a lot of impressive talent, Ford has a notable lack of developmental talent.
TRD has long been the standard for a manufacturer, benefiting all its teams through a well-structured system. Cup Series drivers like Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs benefit from this system, which has a solid turnover rate for Cup Series drivers.
The current crop of TRD developmental drivers causing this “gridlock” include:
Fortunately, TRD does have many rides available. They currently have three NASCAR Cup Series teams and several notable Xfinity and Truck Series teams. However, this group has a lot of talent. So, based on practical factors, who should be due for a promotion?
What factors should TRD consider when making this decision? Practically speaking, youth has been a factor when evaluating NASCAR prospects. For example, Hendrick Motorsports brought up a young William Byron with breakneck speed, and so far, that has served HMS well.
So, what TRD prospect combines youth and skill the best?
William Sawalich is just 18 years old and is the reigning ARCA Menards Series East Champion. He currently races part-time for JGR in the top level of ARCA, where he has nine wins in ten starts.
Taylor Gray is also young and talented and is getting part-time starts for JGR in the Xfinity Series. However, stats show that Gray might need some more time in the trucks before leaping.
Something to look out for is Sawalich’s Xfinity debut with JGR at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 26.
What about statistics? Who has the best numbers out of this bunch the most?
Corey Heim has long been a major question mark for TRD. While he has yet to win in the Xfinity Series, Heim is already getting starts in the Cup Series this season. In the Truck Series this year, Heim has six wins, 12 top-fives, and 15 top-tens. While Corey is a top talent, his time with TRD has been interesting as the manufacturer’s top team, JGR, has no apparent interest in Heim.
What about experience? Fans have complained in the past that too many drivers are getting opportunities with a lack of experience.
Chandler Smith returned to TRD this year with a vengeance. After a multi-win 2021 and 2022 season in a Toyota Truck, Smith moved to Kaulig Racing after 2022. After one year with Kaulig, Smith returned to TRD with JGR in the Xfinity Series. This year, Smith has had two wins and is a favorite in the championship.
While these talented drivers are all good candidates for a promotion, they are causing a log jam for TRD. However, when you factor their skills and value into the equation, that may not be a problem at all for TRD.
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