TRICON Garage Overview
TRICON Garage, formerly known as David Gilliland Racing and DGR-Crosley, is a professional American stock car racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Founded in 2018, the team competes primarily in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and began its NASCAR Cup Series participation in 2025. Owned by David Gilliland and Johnny Gray, TRICON Garage fields Toyota vehicles and has secured two drivers’ championships and 35 race victories across multiple series. The team is noted for its development of emerging talent and its competitive presence in professional motorsports.
Founding and Organizational Origins
TRICON Garage originated in early 2017 as a collaborative effort between David Gilliland and Bo LeMastus, merging their respective teams, David Gilliland Racing and Crosley Sports Group, to form DGR-Crosley. The team initially fielded Toyota vehicles in 2018 and 2019 before switching to Ford in 2020. In 2021, Johnny Gray joined as a co-owner, prompting a rebranding back to David Gilliland Racing. The team’s name changed to TRICON Garage in 2023 when it returned to Toyota Racing Development, with the new name symbolizing a blend of the prefix “tri-” and the word “icon.”
The team was established with the goal of competing at high levels in stock car racing while fostering driver development. Early operations included acquiring assets from Red Horse Racing and building a foundation that combined experienced leadership with emerging talent. The organizational structure emphasized technical partnerships and sponsorship acquisition to support competitive racing programs.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
TRICON Garage entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2018, marking its debut at the NextEra Energy Resources 250 in Daytona. The team quickly expanded its operations, fielding multiple trucks with various drivers. Early technical alliances and strategic partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Joe Gibbs Racing for the Cup Series debut, strengthened the team’s competitive capabilities. The team’s driver lineup has included prominent names such as Hailie Deegan, Tyler Ankrum, and Corey Heim, contributing to its growth and success in national series.
Throughout its expansion, TRICON Garage has focused on building a robust team shop and infrastructure in Mooresville, North Carolina, a hub for NASCAR teams. This location has facilitated access to technical resources and talent, supporting the team’s ambitions in the Truck and Cup Series. The team’s commitment to Toyota as its manufacturer since 2023 has aligned it with a leading racing development program.
TRICON Garage Competitive Journey
Since its inception, TRICON Garage has progressed from a regional racing team to a competitive force in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and has recently entered the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s journey reflects steady growth, marked by increasing race victories, championship titles, and the development of drivers who have made significant impacts in professional stock car racing.
Early Seasons and Development (2018–2019)
TRICON Garage began competing in the Truck Series in 2018, initially fielding multiple trucks with drivers such as Bo LeMastus and Tyler Ankrum. The team’s early years were focused on establishing a competitive presence, securing sponsorships, and developing driver talent. Tyler Ankrum earned the team’s first Truck Series win in 2019 at Kentucky, marking a significant milestone. During this period, the team also competed in the ARCA Menards Series and regional late model racing, broadening its developmental programs.
In 2019, the team expanded its driver roster and race entries, including part-time schedules for drivers like Dylan Lupton and Tanner Gray. The team’s approach combined nurturing young drivers with experienced leadership, which laid the groundwork for future successes. Sponsorships such as Bass Pro Shops began to play a prominent role, particularly for the No. 56 car.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2020–2024)
TRICON Garage’s breakthrough in the Truck Series came with consistent race wins and competitive performances. The team secured a total of 23 Truck Series victories and one drivers’ championship during this period. Notable drivers included Corey Heim, who achieved multiple wins and clinched the Truck Series championship in 2025. The team also demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming challenges such as driver injuries and logistical setbacks.
Technical partnerships, including the collaboration with Joe Gibbs Racing for the Cup Series debut, enhanced the team’s engineering and strategic capabilities. The team’s competitive stability was reflected in regular season championships and strong playoff performances. The expansion of the driver lineup to include part-time and full-time drivers like Dean Thompson, Toni Breidinger, and Gio Ruggiero further diversified the team’s competitive edge.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
In 2025, TRICON Garage made its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Daytona 500, fielding the No. 56 Toyota Camry driven by Martin Truex Jr. The entry was supported by Bass Pro Shops as the primary sponsor and technical assistance from Joe Gibbs Racing. Although the debut race ended prematurely due to an incident, the move signaled the team’s ambitions to compete at the highest level of stock car racing.
Currently, TRICON Garage fields multiple trucks with drivers including Jimmie Johnson, Corey Heim, Tanner Gray, and others. The team continues to strengthen its infrastructure in Mooresville and maintain its relationship with Toyota Racing Development. Long-term goals focus on expanding Cup Series participation, enhancing competitive performance, and continuing driver development programs.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
TRICON Garage’s core identity centers on driver development, technical excellence, and competitive consistency. The team excels in race strategy, vehicle setup, and adapting to diverse track conditions. Its strengths include nurturing young talent and leveraging manufacturer partnerships to optimize performance across series.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for TRICON Garage include its first Truck Series win in 2019, multiple drivers’ championships, and the 2025 Truck Series championship secured by Corey Heim. The team’s Cup Series debut in 2025 marked a historic step forward. Notable moments also include record-setting wins by drivers and overcoming challenges such as the tragic hauler accident in 2022, which the team honored through dedicated victories.
TRICON Garage Achievements and Results
TRICON Garage has amassed a total of 35 race victories across multiple series and secured two drivers’ championships. The team’s accomplishments reflect its growth from a regional outfit to a competitive presence in national NASCAR series, highlighted by consistent wins and championship pursuits.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
The team has achieved 23 race victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, including multiple wins by Corey Heim, who set a record with 11 wins in a single season. The first Truck Series win came in 2019 at Kentucky with Tyler Ankrum. The team’s championship run culminated in 2025 with Heim’s title, underscoring TRICON Garage’s competitive evolution.
ARCA Menards Series and Regional Achievements
TRICON Garage has also found success in the ARCA Menards Series and its regional divisions, securing wins and driver development milestones. The team’s involvement in late model racing and ARCA East and West series has contributed to its reputation for cultivating emerging talent and competitive performance.
