At just 17 years old, Brent Crews is making a significant move by launching his own NASCAR Truck Series team, marking a potential resurgence of driver-owned teams in the sport. Crews is set to pilot the No. 70 Toyota Tundra at the upcoming Watkins Glen race, signaling his entry not only as a driver but also as a team owner in this competitive series.

Brent Crews Motorsports includes a group of promising young drivers such as Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love, and Jack Baldwin, the son of Tommy Baldwin. While Crews will be behind the wheel of the No. 70 truck this season, he is also maintaining his scheduled starts with the Tricon Garage No. 1 truck. The organization’s fleet will all use Toyota Tundras, showing commitment to this manufacturer despite Zilisch and Love’s affiliations with Chevrolet in other races.

To finance this new venture, Crews has sold his micro sprint cars and TA2 Trans-Am car, demonstrating a serious investment in his team ownership aspirations. Although legal ownership of the team will officially transfer to him once he turns 18 next year, Crews has publicly clarified that the team is effectively under his control at present.

Pristine Auction is set to be the sponsor for the No. 70 truck at Watkins Glen, adding credibility to the new team’s efforts. While Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love are involved with the organization, it is unlikely either will drive the No. 70 truck due to both manufacturer loyalties and their current career trajectories, as neither need additional experience in the Truck Series.

Assessing Crews’ Future in Full-Time Truck Series Competition

The creation of Brent Crews Motorsports raises questions about Crews’ long-term racing plans, especially for the 2026 season when he will officially be eligible to compete at all major tracks. At that point, Crews could choose to race full-time in ARCA, the Truck Series, or the Xfinity Series. Early indications suggest that ARCA may not be part of his plans, as he seems poised for higher-level competition.

Crews has expressed inspiration from stories of drivers like Brian Keselowski, who managed their own teams, often working hard to sustain a presence in the sport through DIY efforts and sheer determination. This motivation suggests Crews desires ownership to be an integral part of his racing identity going forward.

Launching a Truck Series team without capitalizing on it in future races would seem impractical given the costs involved in truck maintenance and logistics. There are possibilities that Crews may focus on full-time Xfinity Series engagements with established teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing while selectively competing in Truck Series events, particularly on road courses and short tracks where he excels.

I don’t really know where this is going to go, but with all the buzz around road course guys right now, it didn’t seem right to miss Watkins Glen. I love the track. … Watching on TV was NOT an option,

Crews explained in a statement.

This new team will operate out of the Nitro Motorsports shop initially, with additional announcements about the organization’s structure and plans expected soon. Brent Crews’ decision to take on team ownership while continuing to develop as a driver represents a bold and unusual step for someone so young, likely influencing both his career and the broader NASCAR Truck Series landscape.