The Daytona 500 has crowned some of the biggest names in racing history, and the Andretti surname proudly sits on that list. Now, the legacy of a former Daytona 500 champion is making its way into NASCAR once again, as the next generation prepares to carve out its own path. But this is not just about carrying a famous name forward. With Jimmie Johnson still standing as one of the sport’s modern giants, the stage could soon be set for motorsport royalty to test itself against a seven-time champion on his own turf.

Mario Andretti’s nephew to join Tricon Garage

According to recent reports, Adam Andretti will join the NASCAR Truck Series team Tricon Garage on a multi-race deal. He will drive the #5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for four races, starting from the EchoPark Speedway next week.

“I am at a loss for words for how blessed I feel to be making my first career start in the Craftsman Truck Series,” Andretti said in a media release. “To have the opportunity to represent the best in spray-in bed liner products with TopLiner and drive a Toyota Tundra for TRICON, an organization with a proven winning tradition, is something my fans around the world won’t want to miss.

Interestingly, Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time Cup Series champion and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, also drives for Tricon Garage on a part-time basis.

Jimmie Johnson also runs a part-time Truck Series schedule with TRICON Garage, driving the No. 1 entry alongside other notable names like Taylor Gray and Corey Heim. And with Johnson expected to compete in the Grand Prix of San Diego at Naval Base Coronado on June 19, Adam Andretti’s presence could set up an intriguing showdown at what is being billed as Johnson’s home race.

News served to you like never before!

Prefer us on Google, To get latest news on feed

Prefer Us on Google

“A sincere thank you to everyone who has helped make this step in my career possible. I can’t wait to hit the track and show what we’re capable of as a team,” Andretti further added.

Andretti comes from a family of drivers, following in the footsteps of his father, Aldo Andretti, and his brother, John Andretti. His extended family features two of the greatest names in American motorsport: uncle Mario Andretti and cousins Michael, Marco, and Jeff Andretti.

Mario Andretti is the most illustrious among them, having won an F1 championship in 1978 and four IndyCar titles in 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1984. Notably, he also raced in the NASCAR Cup Series and won the 1967 Daytona 500. Currently, he serves as an advisor to the Cadillac F1 team.

Hailing from a distinguished family, Adam also boasts impressive statistics, which he amassed over nearly 30 years. Adam Andretti has competed across multiple series, including Formula 3, the NASCAR Southwest Series, the Indy Pro Series, the K&N Pro Series, and the SRO/Speed World Challenge.

Adam Andretti enters NASCAR with limited stock car numbers, having made just one ARCA West start (2016) and two NASCAR Canada starts (2017), plus a few races in NASCAR’s Southwest Tour years ago. But his real strength comes from road racing, where he owns eight Trans-Am Series wins and finished runner-up in the TA2 championship in both 2014 and 2015.

Now signed for a five-race Truck Series deal with TRICON Garage, Andretti will race at Atlanta, St. Pete, Watkins Glen, and San Diego, with San Diego standing out as the headline event, setting up a high-profile clash at Jimmie Johnson’s home race.

A home race carries added weight because it comes with hometown pride, local fan support, and heightened expectations. For Jimmie Johnson, racing in San Diego means extra spotlight and pressure to deliver. If Adam Andretti challenges him there, it turns into more than just a race; it becomes a statement on Johnson’s own turf.

With that said, Adam Andretti would want to have a better debut than another NASCAR and IndyCar star’s return at Daytona.

Tony Stewart had a forgettable NASCAR return at Daytona

Three-time Cup Series and IndyCar champion Tony Stewart returned to NASCAR with the Truck Series at Daytona, marking his return to the sport for the first time since 2016. However, his comeback story fell short after he made contact with Jake Garcia during the race on Friday, ending his race.

“The hard thing is I’m not really sure what happened that got us there, but we just ended up on the wrong end of that stick,” Stewart said after the race.

Tony Stewart returned to NASCAR with Kaulig Racing, which signed with RAM. Stewart raced under its Free Agent program, and this was his first NASCAR Truck Series race since 2005.