TRICON Garage Welcomes Gio Ruggiero to Craftsman Truck Series in 2025
TRICON Garage has officially announced that Gio Ruggiero, an 18-year-old standout in the ARCA Menards Series, will race full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. Ruggiero, a rising star in the Toyota Racing Development program, will pilot the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, marking his transition to NASCAR’s national stage.
Ruggiero boasts an impressive racing résumé, including victories in the Show Me The Money Pro Late Models (2022), the CRA Super Series and Southern Super Series championships (2023), and the Winchester 400. Speaking about his promotion, Ruggiero shared:
“I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025. I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season.”
David Gilliland, TRICON Garage partner, praised Ruggiero’s potential, stating:
“Gio has shown a lot of promise in his young career, and we are super excited to welcome him into our program. 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.”
Expanding TRICON’s 2025 Lineup
Ruggiero isn’t the only new face at TRICON. Last week, Toni Breidinger also secured a full-time contract for 2025. Reflecting on her milestone, Breidinger said:
“Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here, but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career.”
Joining Ruggiero and Breidinger in TRICON’s full-time lineup are Corey Heim in the No. 11 and Tanner Gray in the No. 15.
Upcoming Schedule
The 2025 Craftsman Truck Series season kicks off with the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14. Other key dates include the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22 and the playoff opener at Darlington Raceway on August 30.
2025 Craftsman Truck Series Key Dates:
- Feb. 14 – Fresh From Florida 250, Daytona International Speedway
- Apr. 18 – NCTS Race at Rockingham, Rockingham Speedway
- Aug. 8 – NCTS Race at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen International
- Oct. 31 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway
TRICON Garage’s 2025 campaign promises an exciting season with a talented lineup of drivers ready to make their mark.
