A fresh chapter at Chicagoland
Joe Gibbs Racing, a stalwart of NASCAR’s premier series, is once again preparing to unleash its four‑car arsenal at Chicagoland Speedway. The team carries a rich pedigree at the 1.5‑mile Illinois oval, where it has celebrated seven victories across 59 starts, a statistic that still resonates in the garage.
Kyle Busch, who accounted for four of those triumphs, remains the most prolific winner the organization has produced on that track. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of perfection have set a benchmark for teammates and rivals alike.
Brandon Jones, a veteran of the circuit, brings a blend of experience and consistency. In four appearances at Chicagoland he has already logged a top‑five finish and two top‑tens, and he recently completed a tire test that could prove decisive in the upcoming race.
Adding to the mix, rookie sensation Brent Crews has been a revelation this season. With seven top‑five finishes and ten top‑tens to his name, Crews has already proven he can compete with the best, highlighted by a third‑place result at Sonoma and runner‑up finishes at Talladega, Nashville and Pocono.
William Sawalich will make his debut at the track in the No. 18 Starkey Toyota GR Supra. The youngster has shown a marked increase in speed on 1.5‑mile layouts throughout the year, raising expectations that he could contend for a strong finish.
Taylor Gray, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a heartbreaking end at Sonoma, where he ran out of fuel on the final lap. The driver previously captured a victory at Kansas Speedway after leading 48 laps, and his crew benefits from the expertise of veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff, the winningest in series history.
With a blend of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers, the upcoming event promises to add another chapter to the team’s storied relationship with the Illinois venue. Fans can expect a strategic battle, fierce on‑track duels and the possibility of extending the seven‑win legacy.