USA Today via Reuters
Feb 19, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Ben Rhodes (99) leads the field into turn one during the Brake Best Select 159 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 19, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Ben Rhodes (99) leads the field into turn one during the Brake Best Select 159 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Back in the month of April, Taylor Gray was supposed to make his Truck Series debut. Sadly, he got involved in a road accident and had to be rushed to the hospital. Now, the 16-year-old is finally going to get a chance to drive the Truck car this weekend. The David Gilliland Racing team clearly saw fit to give him a second bite of the cherry.
As per the diagnosis, Gray fractured an L4 vertebra and had to undergo surgery. To make matters worse, he also had to undergo a second surgery to fix a fractured left foot and ankle. A David Gilliland Racing statement reported that the driver was somewhere near Statesville, North Carolina, when the incident took place.
16-year-old Taylor Gray will make his truck debut this weekend in the David Gilliland Racing No. 17 truck. Was supposed to make his debut earlier this year but was injured in a car accident. He has run four ARCA races since the accident & will run both ARCA and trucks at The Glen
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 2, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Unfortunately for Gray, he got into a spot of trouble in his latest ARCA Series race at Winchester Speedway. Apparently, he and Daniel Dye collided, while Nick Sanchez became an innocent victim. The accident also left Dye with a concussion and a few other injuries. Luckily, his next scheduled race is four weeks away, so he should have plenty of time to recover.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What to expect from Taylor Gray?
Luckily, he has since recovered and completed four ARCA Series races. During those four races, he managed to finish in the Top 5 in every race. In fact, his highest finish was a third place at the Iowa Speedway. Now, the driver will be pulling double duty at Watkins Glen in the ARCA and the Truck Series.
This weekend’s race will also see a bit of sibling rivalry, as Gray will partner his older brother, Tanner. The latter has enjoyed a decent season in the Truck Series; he has often found himself in the points and even recorded a best finish of ninth at the Texas Motor Speedway.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Without a doubt, both Tanner and Taylor will be relishing the chance to battle against each other. It would finally settle the debate on who is the faster brother and who gets the bragging rights. So far, the upcoming race in Watkins Glen is the only Truck race on Taylor’s schedule for the moment. Whether he will get any more shots behind the wheel is anybody’s guess.
READ MORE: ARCA Driver Taylor Gray to Miss NASCAR Debut After Surgery Following Road Accident
