Taylor James Gray Bio
Taylor James Gray (born March 25, 2005) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He last competed full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 54 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing. Gray has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, and ARCA Menards Series West.
Early Life and Background
Taylor Gray was born in Artesia, New Mexico, United States. He comes from a racing family; his older brother Tanner Gray competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and his father Shane Gray and grandfather Johnny Gray have backgrounds in NHRA drag racing. Johnny Gray is also a businessman and co-owner of Tricon Garage since 2021. Taylor developed an early interest in racing and began competing in late model stock cars at the age of twelve.
Gray made his late model debut in March 2018 at Hickory Motor Speedway, finishing sixth in his first race. He quickly showed promise by winning his second late model start at the same track. Over the next year, he competed full-time in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour, earning multiple wins and gaining valuable experience before moving up to national NASCAR series.
Path to NASCAR
In 2019, Taylor Gray and his brother Tanner were signed by DGR-Crosley, with Taylor racing full-time in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour due to age restrictions preventing him from competing in NASCAR series. In 2020, upon turning fifteen, Gray began competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East with David Gilliland Racing, driving the No. 17 Ford. He also participated in the ARCA Menards Series Sioux Chief Showdown races he was eligible for.
Gray transitioned to NASCAR’s national series starting with part-time runs in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2021. Despite suffering a fractured vertebra and other injuries early in the season, he made his Truck Series debut later that year. His progression continued with more races and improved results, leading to full-time competition in the Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Taylor James Gray Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Gray began racing late models in 2018 at age twelve, quickly earning wins at Hickory Motor Speedway. In 2019, he competed full-time in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour, securing multiple victories and finishing ninth in points. He also participated in select NASCAR Whelen All-American Series events, demonstrating resilience after a notable crash at Martinsville Speedway where he was uninjured.
These formative years helped Gray develop racecraft and consistency, setting the foundation for his entry into ARCA and NASCAR national series. His performances attracted attention from established teams, leading to his signing with DGR-Crosley.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2020–2022)
In 2020, Gray competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East with David Gilliland Racing, driving the No. 17 car. He showed strong performances including multiple podium finishes and race wins. Despite a single-car accident in 2021 causing injuries, he returned to competition that same year. Gray won races in both the ARCA East and West series, including victories at Dover, Mid-Ohio, Pocono, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring.
In 2022, Gray dedicated a win at Phoenix Raceway to a hauler driver who died in a traffic accident en route to the race. That season, he continued to collect wins and podiums across ARCA series events, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in stock car racing.
Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series (2021–Present)
Gray made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2021 after recovering from injuries sustained in a crash. He competed in several races that year and improved his schedule in 2022, contending for wins and earning top-ten finishes. In 2023, he ran full-time in the Truck Series with Tricon Garage, achieving multiple top-five finishes and finishing fifteenth in points.
In 2024, Gray joined Joe Gibbs Racing for a partial schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 19 car in ten races. He impressed with a third-place finish in his debut at Richmond Raceway and continued to post solid results. It was announced that he will run full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2025, driving the No. 54 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Taylor Gray is known for his strong performances on short tracks and road courses, demonstrating precise racecraft and strategic acumen. His ability to lead laps and contend for wins at a young age reflects his maturity and adaptability. Partnerships with experienced crew chiefs and teams like Joe Gibbs Racing have further enhanced his development.
Notable Races and Milestones
Gray’s career highlights include multiple ARCA series wins, a dramatic victory at Phoenix Raceway in 2022, and a top-three finish in his Xfinity Series debut. He has also shown resilience by returning quickly from injuries and maintaining competitive form. His first Xfinity Series win at Martinsville marks a significant milestone in his career.
Taylor James Gray Career Wins
Taylor Gray has accumulated several wins across ARCA Menards Series East and West, CARS Late Model Stock Tour, and notable performances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His victories at diverse tracks showcase his versatility and potential for future success.
ARCA Series Highlights
Gray’s ARCA Menards Series career includes wins at Phoenix Raceway, Dover, Mid-Ohio, Pocono, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring. His first ARCA East win came early in his career, and he continued to add multiple victories while competing full-time in the series. These wins have been critical in establishing him as a top prospect in stock car racing.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to ARCA, Gray has multiple wins in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour, including dominant performances at Hickory Motor Speedway. He has also earned top-ten finishes and contended for wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, demonstrating steady progress as he moves up the ranks.
Taylor James Gray Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Taylor Gray is part of a multi-generational racing family. His older brother Tanner Gray competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Their father, Shane Gray, and grandfather, Johnny Gray, have backgrounds in NHRA drag racing. Johnny Gray is also a businessman and co-owner of Tricon Garage, the team Taylor has raced for in the Truck Series.
Personal Life
Taylor Gray is unmarried and has no children. Outside of racing, one of his hobbies includes wakeboarding. His family’s involvement in motorsports has been a significant influence on his career path and development as a driver.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Taylor Gray is set to compete full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 54 Toyota GR Supra. This opportunity marks a major step in his career, moving from part-time to full-time competition in one of NASCAR’s premier series. Expectations are high for Gray to build on his previous successes and contend for wins and playoff appearances.
Gray’s experience gained from his prior Truck Series and Xfinity Series races, combined with the support of Joe Gibbs Racing, positions him well for a strong 2025 campaign. His development as a driver and ability to handle pressure will be key factors in his performance throughout the season.
