GMS Racing Parts Ways With Driver Johnny Sauter

Johnny Sauter

Former NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Champion Johnny Sauter suddenly finds himself a free agent barely a month before the season-opening race at Daytona after GMS Racing announced they had parted ways, effective immediately.

Sauter, who won the truck series title in 2016, was about to enter his fourth season with the team. He finished fourth in the 2018 points standings after advancing to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he finished fourth.

In 69 starts with GMS Racing, Sauter tallied 13 victories and won the team their first NASCAR title.

"We cannot thank Johnny enough for his contributions to the growth and success of GMS Racing," GMS president Mike Beam said in a statement released by the team. "He won the first championship for us and added a lot of trophies to our shop. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors, both in and out of racing."

In an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Sauter said he was informed of the decision earlier in the day after a visit to the teams race shop.

As for a reason for the split, Sauter cited the fact that he doesn't bring any sponsorship money to the table.

Neither Sauter nor GMS Racing have announced any future plans or who might be taking over Suter's driving duties in the No. 21 Chevrolet, however the leading candidate rumored to be in line for the ride is defending truck series champion Brett Moffitt – who beat out Sauter, Noah Gragson and Justin Haley to win the title.