Who knew that the size of a steering wheel can affect the performance of a car? After signing a multi-race contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh Bilicki is on an absolute high. The 28-year-old driver from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will be looking to squeeze every drop of performance out of his No. 19 Toyota Supra in his upcoming debut race. It starts with the steering wheel, as Josh Bilicki explained in an Instagram post uploaded by Joe Gibbs Racing.

With two top-ten finishes and a wealth of experience in the three national series – the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series – it’s fair to say that few drivers understand the technicalities of the sport as well as Josh Bilicki.

When will Josh Bilicki make his debut?

Bilicki will make his first start at Portland International Raceway, Pacific Office Automation 147 on Saturday, June 1. With 12 races remaining in the season, Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to announce a confirmed driver for the No. 19 Toyota. Bilicki’s NASCAR Xfinity Series record includes two top-ten finishes, ninth at Daytona International Speedway in 2022 and eighth at Road America in 2023.

The No. 19 Toyota Supra will be supported by two main sponsors this weekend in Portland: DiTEC Marine Products and Trim-Tex Drywall will be featured on the car. Bilicki also took to social media to explain the difference between small and large steering wheels and how they affect performance.

He said, “The advantage for a small steering wheel on a road course as opposed to a bigger one on ovals. The quicker steering box on the road courses, you get more steering wheel movement with actually less movement. On an oval, you are turning a lot more, you want a bigger steering wheel. On road course, you need a quicker steering box, you don’t need to turn the wheel as much. Just for me, I’ve been comfortable with a smaller steering wheel on a road course.”

However, apart from Bilicki’s expert explanations, what also caught fans’ eyes is his association with Joe Gibbs Racing, as many went on to provide their opinions on that!

Fans comment on Josh Bilicki’s move to Joe Gibbs Racing

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With 204 races in NASCAR’s top three levels, eight years in the Xfinity Series, and 96 starts, few would argue that Bilicki hasn’t earned a shot. Perhaps this explains why one fan commented: “SO happy for Josh he’s been grinding for years now. Not many drivers deserve a shot in A class car more tbh. Huge W.”

Although Bilicki has made 100 Cup and 100 Xfinity starts, he has never driven a car the caliber of Joe Gibbs Racing. Expectations are as high as they have ever been. One fan said: “Finally get to see what he can do in race-winning capable equipment. You know the car will be right!!!!”

However, some fans were not thrilled with the announcement, “Why are you lying, everybody knows you aren’t excited to announce that.” Another fan criticized Joe Gibbs Racing for not giving Corey Heim a chance because there are rumors that he doesn’t get along with Ty Gibbs. He said, “JGR will have anyone but Heim drive that 19 car 😂 let this be a lesson, never get into ARCA beef with Ty Gibbs.”

What do you guys think of Josh Bilicki at Joe Gibbs Racing? Let us know in the comments!