It is always a good family to get back to where you belong. Especially when you have spent a major portion of your career with a banner. The same golden principle is also applicable to all the drivers who strive hard through the year, just so that they can build a name for themselves and land full-time driving opportunities. Recently, TRICON Garage made an official announcement stating their continued partnership with a long-term driver.

Although not every season seems to have the same kind of vigor and results, long-term alliances tend to go a long way. Particularly when TRICON Garage has been on a replacement spree where they have replaced drivers like Dean Thompson, this comes as a moment of respite.

Gray will be driving for the sixth time with TRICON Garage

Tanner Gray continues to stay with the team, despite his fifth season in the series being a mix of bittersweet experiences, and the highlight came with five top-ten finishes. He was also able to score a career-best 13th finish in the 2024 truck standings and claimed the pole for the second consecutive time at Charlotte. To add to that, Gray also led laps in four races and had a season-high of 19 at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison II. However, the team has confirmed the return of the driver for the 2025 season, and he will be driving the No. 15 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. He will be a part of the team along with member Corey Heim, and both of them will be seen taking to the tracks again in 2025.

And, certainly, the announcement from TRICON Garage has breathed in new hopes as the driver now hopes to amend mistakes and embark on a journey towards acing behind the steering. Speaking of this opportunity, Tanner Gray added, “Our speed was a little better in 2023. We just didn’t quite carry that or get better in 2024. But we still had speed in some of these places. Felt like we lagged some at others. There was a lot of self-inflicted mistakes, lack of execution as a whole team. There are a lot of races that I look back on that are really frustrating and I would like to have back or do differently.”

Further adding on how and why he is so happy, Gray added, “I feel like I sound like a broken record. You know every year, I feel like we talk about the same things and you know it’s hard. I think we would do a better job and you know figure out how to run these races and get the finish we deserve. And like you said, I am really happy to be back with the team.”

Additionally, the team has been equally happy with the decision to get back Tanner Gray, although he has not predominantly made a win this season. The team said, “We are excited to have Tanner back with us for another season. He is a foundational member of our team, and we are eager to continue to grow our organization alongside he and Corey.”

The relationship between the team and Tanner Gray has been quite amicable, and the driver was also seen referring to the team as his “second home.” This will also be the first time that Gray will be hitting the tracks without his brother Taylor, who is all set to transition into the JGR Team.

Although the team has not announced the tenure of the contract, one can say without a doubt that this partnership is here to stay for the long run. Gray has been associated with the team since the time when it was known as David Gilliland Racing and Team DGR in 2019.

TRICON Garage replaced Dean Thompson 

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While the team might be quite lucky for Tanner Gray, it seems as though the story is not the same for Dean Thompson. Recently, TRICON Garage announced that it has signed a contract with Toni Breidinger, and she will be associated with the team as a full-time driver for the 2025 season. Breidinger has been brought in as a replacement for Dean Thompson, who did not quite manage to put up a highly impressive feat on the track.

Although Toni Breidinger is all set to join TRICON as a full-time driver, there is not much known about the future headings of Dean Thompson. The inclusion of Toni Breidinger into the team has raised quite a few eyebrows, and fans are now wondering whether the team has made a grave mistake by replacing Dean Thompson.

Some are also of the opinion that Thompson is any day a better option than Breidinger, and this is a huge mistake that will lead to another Hailie Deegan or Danica Patrick. Reflecting on this extended opportunity, Breidinger said, “Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco.”

With these significant changes and steadfast commitments, TRICON Garage enters the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season with a blend of seasoned experience and fresh ambition, aiming to make its mark on the competitive racing landscape.