Tricon Garage has added one of the top Toyota Gazoo Racing North America prospects to its lineup for 2025.
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According to the team, Gio Ruggiero will move to the Craftsman Truck Series on a full-time basis. He will drive the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro while replacing the departing Taylor Gray. The young driver will compete for Rookie of the Year honors.
"Gio has shown a lot of promise in his young career, and we are super excited to welcome him into our program," said David Gilliland, partner at Tricon Garage.
"Jumping into the Truck Series is no small feat, but Gio has proven that he adapts quickly, and we have no doubt that he will have a successful rookie season with us as he takes over the 17 truck."
• Winchester 400 Winner
• 2023 CRA Super Series Champion
• 2023 Southern Super Series Champion
• 2024 ARCA East WinnerMeet our new wheelman, @Gio_Ruggiero1 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ig1gyo9mBV
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) December 2, 2024
Ruggiero spent last season competing across the ARCA series for Venturini Motorsports and Toyota. He ran the full ARCA East schedule and won the season-opener at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. He made 10 starts in the top ARCA Menards Series and posted top-10 finishes in nine of his starts.
Ruggiero has built his career competing on short tracks, and he has achieved success in the process. He captured the 2023 Winchester 400, a prestigious race that numerous NASCAR drivers have won. This includes Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Carson Hocevar, Noah Gragson, and Mark Martin.
Erik Jones won the Winchester 400 in three consecutive seasons (2013-15) while working his way up the racing ranks with Toyota.
Ruggiero's list of accomplishments also includes the 2023 Championship Racing Association (CRA) Super Series title, the 2023 Southern Super Series title, and the 2022 Show Me The Money Pro Late Model Series title.
The move to the Craftsman Truck Series will now present Ruggiero with more opportunities to contend on short tracks. He will take on such venues as Bristol Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and Richmond Raceway.
"I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with Tricon in 2025," Ruggiero said in a press release. "I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season."
The Toyota Gazoo Racing North America prospect completes the full-time Tricon Garage lineup. He joins returning drivers Corey Heim and Tanner Gray, as well as fellow rookie Toni Breidinger.
