Young NASCAR star Taylor Gray has signed a new contract to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2027.
The 21-year-old's O'Reilly Series deal was set to expire at the end of the current year, but some strong runs – including his win at Kansas – have convinced the team that he's improving and ready to press on for his third full-time season in the series.
Gray is currently the third ranked JGR car in the O'Reilly points standings with just three regular season races remaining, and sits as the last of 12 drivers provisionally qualified for the postseason.
The youngster will get back on track this weekend at Indianapolis after a week off while the Cup and Truck Series went to North Wilkesboro, and will have to bounce back from classifying 33rd after a wreck last time out at Atlanta.
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Gray celebrates extension with JGR
In a team statement released on Tuesday, Gray said: ”I am super appreciative of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing for this opportunity. I feel like Jason (Ratcliff, crew chief) and I have developed a really strong relationship that goes beyond racing.
"He has been a great mentor to me and helped me a ton both on and off the track. And overall, our team continues to grow and improve, so I’m excited about the rest of this season and next year working together again.”
Team co-owner Heather Gibbs added: ”We are excited to have Taylor back with us next season. He has an incredible work ethic, and that shows with how much he continues to improve.
"We look forward to Taylor and the 54 team finishing this season strong and building on that success for 2027.”
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