Joe Gibbs Latest Xfinity Recruit Unveils His NASCAR Preference as He Dissects Different Steering Sizes
Who knew that the size of a steering wheel can affect the performance of a car? After signing a multi-race contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh Bilicki is on an absolute high. The 28-year-old driver from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will be looking to squeeze every drop of performance out of his No. 19 Toyota Supra in his upcoming debut race. It starts with the steering wheel, as Josh Bilicki explained in an Instagram post uploaded by Joe Gibbs Racing.
With two top-ten finishes and a wealth of experience in the three national series â the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series, and the Truck Series â itâs fair to say that few drivers understand the technicalities of the sport as well as Josh Bilicki.
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Bilicki will make his first start at Portland International Raceway, Pacific Office Automation 147 on Saturday, June 1. With 12 races remaining in the season, Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to announce a confirmed driver for the No. 19 Toyota. Bilickiâs NASCAR Xfinity Series record includes two top-ten finishes, ninth at Daytona International Speedway in 2022 and eighth at Road America in 2023.
The No. 19 Toyota Supra will be supported by two main sponsors this weekend in Portland: DiTEC Marine Products and Trim-Tex Drywall will be featured on the car. Bilicki also took to social media to explain the difference between small and large steering wheels and how they affect performance.
He said, âThe advantage for a small steering wheel on a road course as opposed to a bigger one on ovals. The quicker steering box on the road courses, you get more steering wheel movement with actually less movement. On an oval, you are turning a lot more, you want a bigger steering wheel. On road course, you need a quicker steering box, you donât need to turn the wheel as much. Just for me, Iâve been comfortable with a smaller steering wheel on a road course.â
However, apart from Bilickiâs expert explanations, what also caught fansâ eyes is his association with Joe Gibbs Racing, as many went on to provide their opinions on that!
Fans comment on Josh Bilickiâs move to Joe Gibbs RacingADVERTISEMENT
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TrendingWith 204 races in NASCARâs top three levels, eight years in the Xfinity Series, and 96 starts, few would argue that Bilicki hasnât earned a shot. Perhaps this explains why one fan commented: âSO happy for Josh heâs been grinding for years now. Not many drivers deserve a shot in A class car more tbh. Huge W.â
Although Bilicki has made 100 Cup and 100 Xfinity starts, he has never driven a car the caliber of Joe Gibbs Racing. Expectations are as high as they have ever been. One fan said: âFinally get to see what he can do in race-winning capable equipment. You know the car will be right!!!!â
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However, some fans were not thrilled with the announcement, âWhy are you lying, everybody knows you arenât excited to announce that.â Another fan criticized Joe Gibbs Racing for not giving Corey Heim a chance because there are rumors that he doesnât get along with Ty Gibbs. He said, âJGR will have anyone but Heim drive that 19 car đ let this be a lesson, never get into ARCA beef with Ty Gibbs.â
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What do you guys think of Josh Bilicki at Joe Gibbs Racing? Let us know in the comments!
