[h=2]Ryan Truex joins Kaulig Racing for Xfinity Series[/h] Tuesday, 09 January 2018
By Kelly Crandall / Image by Cantrell/LAT
Ryan Truex is moving into the Xfinity Series full-time this season and will replace Blake Koch at Kaulig Racing.
The organization announced the signing of Truex on Tuesday morning, less than a week after it was revealed Truex would not return to Hattori Racing in the Camping World Truck Series. Last season, Truex finished ninth in points with two poles and 13 top-10 finishes.
At Kaulig, Truex will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet in his full season in the Xfinity Series. He does have 39 career starts, from 2010-15, with various teams.
"I'm extremely excited to be making the move back into the Xfinity Series," said Truex, 25, younger brother of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex. "In just two years Kaulig Racing has proved to be a highly competitive team each race, and it should be a great fit. Last season I saw a lot of improvement in my racing, and hopefully this year I can continue the success Kaulig Racing has built and compete for the championship at the end of the year."
Kaulig Racing is owned by Matt Kaulig, the founder and CEO of LeafFilter. LeafFilter has been a primary sponsor for the team in recent years, but in its release, the team said a sponsor for Truex would be announced shortly.
Koch had driven the No. 11 for Kaulig since its debut in 2016. The team qualified for the playoffs and finished a career-high seventh in points in 2016.
"When we started this team two years ago, I knew we had the potential to be one of the strongest teams in the Xfinity Series and I think we're within reach of that goal," said Kaulig. "Ryan is going to be a great addition to the team, and I have some high hopes for this season.
"Each year we keep improving as a team, and I think this season we'll be able to get some wins and make another run in the playoffs. Everyone at Kaulig Racing is excited to have Ryan on board, and it should be a great, fun year."