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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Erik Jones, driver of the #20 STANLEY Wish For Our Heros Toyota, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Martin Truex Jr, driver of the #19 AOI Toyota, pose for a photo with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series trophy to start the playoffs following the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 08, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
via Getty
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, Erik Jones, driver of the #20 STANLEY Wish For Our Heros Toyota, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Martin Truex Jr, driver of the #19 AOI Toyota, pose for a photo with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series trophy to start the playoffs following the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 08, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
In the NASCAR Xfinity series, it isn’t uncommon to see Cup drivers try their hand at a few races. The Joe Gibbs Racing team is one such team that often fields Cup drivers in the Xfinity series. For the upcoming 2021 Xfinity season, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr are expected to make a few cameos.
According to a JGR announcement, the trio will run in at least one Xfinity race each this season. All three drivers will pilot the #54 Toyota Supra when they have their respective turns. In addition to that, Chris Gayle is expected to be in the pit box as their crew chief.
Last year, Busch participated in five Xfinity races, coming away with a win. Meanwhile, Hamlin took part in just one event, finishing fifth fastest. Unfortunately, Truex Jr is a little out of touch, having not competed since the 2010 season finale.
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What lies ahead for Kyle Busch and company?
The three will share driving duties with 18-year-old Ty Gibbs, grandson of Joe Gibbs. Gibbs Jr will make his Xfinity debut for the outfit, and safe to say, he can really benefit from having three experienced drivers sharing his ride. This will give him some excellent role models to further advance his own career.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 19, 2020; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) pits during the Nascar Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
Admittedly, Gibbs’ schedule is still up in the air. However, the team has plans to let him compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. In addition to the Xfinity gig, he will also compete in the ARCA Menards Series on a full-time basis. This comes on the back of a dream 2020 season where he clinched a series-high six wins in 16 starts.
Coming back to Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr, they will obviously focus on the Cup season. However, that does not mean that they won’t give it their all during their respective Xfinity races.
