Ryan Truex joins Joe Gibbs Racing for six Nationwide races

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Ryan Truex is returning to the NASCAR Nationwide Series this season.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Truex will drive six races in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Toyota beginning on Sept. 3 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Truex is the younger brother of Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. and had competed in 10 races this season with Pastrana-Waltrip Racing until sponsorship issues sidelined him.

Truex will also race at Richmond, Chicagoland, Dover, Kansas, and finish his 2011 season in Phoenix.

Truex, who is 19 years old, has 17 career Nationwide starts with one top-10 finish at Richmond International Raceway. He is also the two-time defending champion of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to bring Ryan into our Nationwide Series program. His family has a great history in our sport and he really has proven himself with the opportunities he has had thus far in his young career. When you look at what he’s already achieved in the K&N East Series and with the opportunities he has already had in Nationwide, we’re looking forward to him accomplishing great things for our team.”

A sponsor for Truex and the No. 20 Toyota Camry has not been announced, but Gibbs expects one to be named soon.

“I’d like to thank Michael Waltrip Racing for their support over the past few years, without them, I wouldn’t be in this position as a driver,” said Truex. “It goes without saying that my dad, my brother and many others have supported me throughout my career and I’d like to thank all of them as well.”