Last season Joe Gibbs Racing had several different drivers for the number 19 car in the Xfinity Series. In 2026, Gibbs has signed a single driver to run all but the Super Speedway tracks in the newly named O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Just 17 years old, Brent Crews has been signed to drive the 19 car in 29 races next season. Under NASCAR rules, Crews will not be eligible to race at Atlanta, Daytona, and Talladega until he is 18 years old.
Crews will make his O’Reilly Auto Parts debut at COTA – Circuit of the Americas and will complete the season in the number 19 car.
Crews will turn 18 on March 30.
JGR has not announced who will start the 2026 season in the 19 car.
Crews has spent the past four years as a Toyota development driver.
Speaking on joining JGR in the 19 car Crews said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to race with a winning organization and Toyota. I’ve learned a lot so far with the ARCA program and at the track with the number 19 team. I have a lot to prepare for this season, but I feel confident with all the resources that JGR and Toyota provide to help with an easy transition.”
Crews accolades include a number of “youngest” driver to win the Trans-AM TA2 Series championship…twice, a World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model Champion, Rookie of the Year in the CARS Tour, and the youngest driver to win a POWRi National Midget Series race at 13 years old. He also has 12 national karting championships.
Crews ran the ARCA Menards Series last season with a few Craftsman Truck Series races sprinkled in.
Executive Vice President of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Development for JGR Steve de Souza spoke on Crews joining JGR saying, “we are excited to have Brent continue his racing career with us this upcoming season. He showed a lot of success in our equipment throughout the 2025 ARCA season, and we are confident that he will continue to be a top contender in the O’Reilly Series.”