Tanner Gray will not return to TRICON Garage for the 2027 NASCAR Truck Series season, ending his seven-year relationship with the organization. Team general manager Kevin Ray confirmed the decision during a press conference at Talladega Superspeedway on October 23, revealing that the organization currently has no plans to field Gray in any capacity next season.
Gray has competed full time for the organization since 2020, dating back to its previous operations as DGR-Crosley and David Gilliland Racing. The 27-year-old has recorded multiple top-five and top-10 finishes throughout his NASCAR career but has yet to visit Victory Lane in the Truck Series. He finished a career-best 13th in the championship standings in both 2024 and 2025.
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The decision comes as TRICON Garage prepares for a significantly different driver lineup in 2027. Sammy Smith will replace Gray behind the wheel of the No. 15 Toyota, while Dawson Sutton will take over the No. 5 entry. Meanwhile, Kaden Honeycutt and Gio Ruggiero have signed contract extensions to remain with the organization. The No. 1 Toyota will continue featuring a rotating lineup of drivers.
Ray acknowledged Gray’s contributions to the organization and expressed disappointment about the departure. “We’re certainly going to miss him as part of TRICON,” Ray said. When asked whether Gray could compete part time in the No. 1 Toyota next season, Ray confirmed that the organization currently has no available races for him. Gray’s departure is particularly notable because his father, Johnny Gray, is among TRICON Garage’s ownership group.
Gray’s plans for the 2027 NASCAR season have not been announced. The former NHRA Pro Stock champion remains 13th in the 2026 Truck Series standings after finishing 18th at Martinsville Speedway on Friday. With only the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway remaining, Gray will look to conclude his lengthy tenure with TRICON Garage on a positive note before pursuing his next racing opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Tanner Gray won’t return to TRICON Garage full-time in 2027
