Rockingham, NC – Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) heads to Rockingham Speedway this weekend for the North Carolina Education Lottery 250, a pivotal race in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The track, steeped in NASCAR history, welcomed back national series racing last year after a 21-year absence and JGR drivers are looking to build on that momentum. Although a win at the .94-mile oval has eluded the team – their best finish a runner-up with Tony Stewart in 1998 – the organization has consistently shown speed, and this year’s lineup aims to change that.
The return to Rockingham represents more than just another stop on the schedule; it’s a chance for JGR to solidify its position as a powerhouse in the series. The team’s four drivers – William Sawalich, Brent Crews, Brandon Jones, and Taylor Gray – each bring a unique blend of experience and youthful energy to the track, backed by a crew chief lineup boasting considerable championship pedigree. The focus this weekend will be on translating recent performance gains into a trip to victory lane.
For 19-year-old William Sawalich, piloting the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota GR Supra, Rockingham holds both promise and a reminder of challenges faced. Last year’s race saw him running competitively in the top-five before an on-track incident caused damage, ultimately relegating him to a 25th-place finish. He also finished second in an ARCA Menards Series East race at the track last year. This year, Sawalich is paired with veteran crew chief Jeff Meendering, who has 10 Xfinity Series victories to his name, most recently with Chandler Smith at Richmond in March 2024. SoundGear, a company specializing in hearing protection, sponsors Sawalich’s entry.
Crews Eyes Continued Success After Martinsville
Brent Crews, driving the No. 19 Mobil 1 Toyota GR Supra, enters the weekend with momentum from a strong showing at Martinsville Speedway, where he finished 10th. The 18-year-old is now eligible for a full-time campaign in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, having previously competed under eligibility requirements allowing younger drivers to participate on shorter tracks and road courses. Before his debut at Circuit of the Americas, Crews demonstrated his prowess at Rockingham during a February test session, preparing for the season ahead. Notably, in 2025, Crews dominated the ARCA Menards Series East race at Rockingham, leading 121 of 125 laps. Mobil 1 continues its longstanding partnership with the team.
Crews’ success is guided by crew chief Seth Chavka, who led the No. 19 team to three victories last year with Aric Almirola and secured the Xfinity Series Owners Championship. Chavka’s experience will be crucial as Crews navigates his first full-time season.
Jones Looks to Replicate Rockingham Speed
Brandon Jones, behind the wheel of the No. 20 Pelonis/Menards Toyota GR Supra, has a history at Rockingham that suggests he could be a contender. In last year’s return to the track, Jones qualified sixth and led six laps before a late-race incident resulted in a 12th-place finish. He also participated in the offseason test session at the track. Jones’ crew chief, Sam McAulay, led Jones to a sixth-place qualifying effort and six laps led in his first career entry at Rockingham last season. McAulay has accumulated 25 top-five finishes, 38 top-10s, and two victories throughout his career.
Jones’ No. 20 Toyota is supported by both Menards, a home improvement retailer, and Pelonis, a manufacturer of home comfort appliances. The partnership with Menards extends back to 2015, marking its 12th year.
Gray Seeks to Build on Fifth-Place Run
Taylor Gray, driving the No. 54 Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra, returns to Rockingham after a promising fifth-place finish in last year’s race. It was his only previous experience at the track. Gray’s team is led by veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff, the winningest crew chief in O’Reilly Series history with 58 victories. Ratcliff has a strong track record at Rockingham, with one win, four top-five finishes, six top-10s, and one pole in 10 starts.
The No. 54 Toyota will feature Operation 300, a non-profit organization supporting children who have lost a parent in military service. The organization provides weekend adventure camps paired with father-aged mentors.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s history at Rockingham, while not yet marked by a win, demonstrates a consistent ability to compete at the front of the field. The combination of experienced crew chiefs, talented drivers, and strong partnerships positions the team for a strong showing in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250. The race promises to be a challenging test of skill and strategy, as drivers navigate the unique characteristics of the historic track.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will be back in action next week at [Next Race Location – to be updated after race], continuing the push towards the championship. Fans can find the latest updates and race results on the NASCAR official website.
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