CERRO GORDO, N.C. – Former ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion Austin Theriault has landed a ride for the upcoming NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series season opener at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
Theriault will team up with Ricky Benton Racing to drive the No. 92 Black’s Tire and Auto Service/Highland Construction Ford F-150, as the team celebrates its 10th year of Truck Series competition.
For the 25-year-old from Fort Kent, Maine, the NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Feb. 15 will mark his first Truck Series start since Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway last September, but it’s a race he’s eagerly anticipating.
“(Team owner) Ricky (Benton) and I started talking about teaming up late last year,” said Theriault. “I was looking for a place an organization where I could find a home and come in and help the organization. RBR really fit where I wanted to be in my career.
“I love succeeding in situations where you might be considered the underdog,” Theriault continued. “Ricky has done some great things and helped a lot of drivers in the Truck Series and I really think we can build on that this year.”
As of now, Theriault and Benton have four tracks on their schedule together, with additional Truck Series events planned at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.
Longtime crew chief Mike Hester, who has served in that capacity for RBR since the team’s inception in 2010, will return atop the pit box to guide Theriault this season.
“Austin has had a lot of success in his career and came highly recommended (from former team owner Ken Schrader),” said Benton. “He has spent a lot of time at the shop working with Mike and the team to get the Daytona truck ready to race and has fit in with what we are doing well. I am looking forward to getting to the track.”
“The draft is the great equalizer as we go up against some of the bigger multi-truck teams,” added Theriault. “With the way the trucks race now, I think a lot of the things I learned in ARCA are going to be invaluable. When you pair that with this team’s track record at Daytona, I think we have a great shot at a good finish.”
In addition, the No. 92 Ford F-150 will carry a special, black-base paint scheme celebrating the 90th anniversary of sponsor Black’s Tire, a change from past years after the team previously sported a largely-white livery.
