Joe Gibbs, the legendary former coach of the Washington Redskins (now, Commanders) and the owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, has gained incomparable prestige in the world of motorsport racing. Catering to some of the best drivers in the country for 30 years, Gibbs can proudly include racing luminaries Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Busch as former JGR drivers. Carrying on the good work even today, it is noteworthy that three Cup drivers of JGR are competing in this season’s playoffs.

However, Gibbs‘s hunt for talent doesn’t end here. It’s only natural for Gibbs to be on the lookout for young talent to take over for Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, and Christopher Bell. Interestingly, Gibbs’s longstanding association with his manufacturing company might have revealed a hidden gem.

NASCAR journalist hints at Joe Gibbs’s collaboration with Truck Series driver

Joe Gibbs’s decision to join hands with Toyota in 2008 led both companies to newer racing heights. The billion-dollar giant achieved its first Cup Series championship through JGR. So, it makes sense for Gibbs to be particularly attentive to skilled younger drivers supported by Toyota. And the manufacturer’s #11 Truck Series driver, Corey Heim, is rapidly making a name for himself.

After his noteworthy performance at the Kansas Speedway this weekend, NASCAR journalist Dustin Albino was asked about Corey Heim’s chances of joining Joe Gibbs for the Xfinity Series. The 21-year-old racer led 40 laps in the Kansas Lottery 200 but lost his lead in the last lap to finish 4th. Presently, he tops the Truck Series driver standings with an outstanding nine top-5 and 16 top-10 finishes this season.

Therefore, Albino was confident about the upcoming collaboration in his social media post. He pointed out the efforts taken by Toyota for Heim’s growth in recent years. He also referred to Heim’s top-10 Xfinity Series finish at the Darlington Raceway this year.

Moreover, the timing couldn’t be more pressing. The recent announcement of JGR’s top Xfinity driver has created a void for Joe Gibbs’ Xfinity car.

Watch this story: Martin Truex Jr. Criticizes Joe Gibbs Crew in Recent Interview

Can this Toyota talent fill Joe Gibbs Racing’s #20 shoes?

Joe Gibbs Racing is facing a sudden driver shortage for the Xfinity series. The #19 car was already shuffling between several drivers after Ty Gibbs’ move as a full-time Cup racer. Now, their #20 driver John Hunter Nemechek is switching to Legacy Motor Club as a Cup Series racer.

Nemecheck’s return to the Cup series was inevitable after his incredible performance in the Xfinity Series this year. He registered six wins for Joe Gibbs’ team this year. Further, he accomplished an unbelievable thirteen top-5 and nineteen top-10 finishes.

Since this would result in considerable Xfinity loss for JGR, Joe Gibbs would want to replace Nemecheck with a driver of equal caliber. And who is better than the top-ranked Truck Series driver to take over for the top-ranked Xfinity racer? With a Toyota vehicle and winning skills, Corey Heim would be the perfect fit for Gibbs’ racing team, wouldn’t you agree?

Read More: Insider Claims Joe Gibbs Will Not Claim the NASCAR Double This Season Despite Dominating