Chris Gayle to Join Furniture Row Racing as Crew Chief

Following nine wins in the NASCAR XFINITY Series this season as a crew chief, Joe Gibbs Racing and Furniture Row Racing have decided it’s time for Chris Gayle to move to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Gayle will join the Colorado-based Sprint Cup team as crew chief of the No. 77 5-Hour Energy Toyota to be driven by rookie Erik Jones next season.

“I watched Furniture Row Racing from afar and have been impressed with the success they have had with Martin (Truex Jr.) in the No. 78 Toyota,” said Gayle. “This is a great opportunity to join a first-class team led by owner Barney Visser, who is deeply committed to provide the necessary resources to be successful in the Cup Series. I also want to help Furniture Row Racing grow an already strong relationship with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing.”

Gayle joined Joe Gibbs Racing more than 14 years ago before moving up to a crew chief role within the organization in 2013. Since then, Gayle has earned 17 XFINITY Series wins.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Erik Jones, who will join Furniture Row as their driver next season, expressed excitement for Gayle’s arrival as crew chief.

“I am not only excited to have Chris as my crew chief, but also excited for Chris in a career move that he deserves,” said Jones. “I have worked with Chris, and we have a mutual respect for each other. I feel we have an opportunity to have a good year together, and at the same time, build a team from the ground up. Chris has had tremendous success in the XFINITY Series, and has shown time after time how to win races. We can’t wait to make our debut in Daytona with the No. 77 5-Hour ENERGY Toyota.”