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Jesse Love is now gone from Toyota for 2024 as he will drive for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Toyota’s pipeline still has some talented drivers, so, which notable drivers does Toyota still have in their pipeline?
William Sawalich
While Jesse Love dominated the ARCA Menards Series with 10 wins, William Sawalich won the second most races of anyone in the series with four along with the ARCA East Championship. He is only 16 years old, and he already has six races of Truck Series experience as well with three top-10s. He drives for Joe Gibbs, so he may have the inside track to a JGR Xfinity seat in the coming years. He’s not old enough to run on the big tracks yet, so, he still has some time to develop.
Toni Breidinger
Toni Bredinger had the best ARCA season of her career this season with four top-5 finishes. While she has not won a race, she is starting to turn a corner, and she is a sponsor magnet. She also recorded two top-20 finishes in her three Truck Series starts this season. With the sponsorship she brings along with keeping cars on the track, there could be a place for her higher up the ladder in the near future.
Corey Heim
Corey Heim is the real deal, and his Truck Series performance has proved that. Despite missing a race, he is in the Championship 4, and he has only three finishes outside the top 10. The talent is there, and he is staying in the pipeline as he stays in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage for 2024.
Taylor Gray
Taylor Gray has run 19 races this season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with TRICON Garage, and he has been solid although not spectacular. He has six top-10s and three top-5s in 19 races, and he could get his first full-time opportunity in 2024. With that experience under his belt, he may be poised for a breakout year.
As of right now, Toyota does not have anyone signed for their flagship Joe Gibbs Racing seat for 2024. Here are some of the most likely candidates for the ride.
Chandler Smith?
Chandler Smith is gone from Kaulig Racing, and the rumor is that he could be heading to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024. it would be a return to the Toyota pipeline for Smith, and he may become the favorite for a Cup seat with JGR should Martin Truex Jr. retire in the near future. However, there has been no official signing there yet, so, this is not official.
Sheldon Creed?
Sheldon Creed left Richard Childress Racing for 2024, and the most logical place for him to go is Joe Gibbs Racing. It allows him an opportunity to stay in race-winning equipment, and he has an easier path to the Cup Series. JGR seats are more readily available than RCR seats at the Cup level. Could this work out for Creed?
Ryan Truex?
Ryan Truex won his first career Xfinity Series race this year at Dover. He may be looking for a full-time ride for 2024, but, is there a place for him? If Creed and Smith take the full-time ride with JGR, then Truex may be the odd man out. He may have a place driving part-time though.
Toyota still has plenty of drivers in its pipeline. They have the horses to bounce back from losing Jesse Love, but time will tell how they pan out.
