UPDATE 8-29-2018: With the GMS talks having apparently collapsed, sources said that another possible option for Truex that has now opened up is for him to go to Joe Gibbs Racing. That possibility could see Truex move into JGR’s No. 19 Toyota, while JGR could send rising Mexican star Daniel Suarez to Leavine Family Racing’s No. 95 Toyota. FRR, JGR and LFR had no comment on that possibility.
UPDATE 8-24-2018: Furniture Row Racing met with team principals from GMS Racing on Tuesday in Denver, but neither party expects a deal between the two organizations to materialize.
The defending Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship team’s intention is to remain on its current course.
President Joe Garone told RacinBoys.com that Furniture Row Racing’s top priority is to fill the sponsorship void created by 5-hour Energy’s departure at season’s end.
On Friday, Garone and GMS president Mike Beam confirmed the meeting.
Garone insists nothing has advanced past the point of discussions, but he added that Furniture Row is “looking at every option.”
— Racin Boys —
Original post 8-23-2018: Furniture Row Racing is discussing a possible deal with NASCAR Xfinity/Truck series team GMS Racing that, if completed, would see FRR Owner Barney Visser sell FRR’s assets to GMS. Sources said that the No. 78 Toyota will be running again in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in ’19, but it was unclear whether GMS would buy FRR’s charter and assets right away or whether the two could form an alliance in ’19 before GMS acquires the charter in ’20. Sources said the deal was still being worked on and not yet completed. If it was consummated, it would find a way for Visser to keep the No. 78 operation going, as GMS Owner Maury Gallagher’s Allegiant Airlines could become a primary sponsor for the car. Both teams declined comment.