Joe Gibbs Racing announces Joey Lagano as Nationwide Series driver

Joe Gibbs Racing has just announced that Joey Logano will pilot the No. 20 JGR Toyota, sponsored by GameStop of Grapevine, Tx. in the upcoming race at Dover International Speedway.

The announcement was made on Logano's 18th birthday in the Time Warner Media Center at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Gibbs said Logano represents the future of JGR.

"We are excited," Gibbs said. "It is very important for us. I think Joey is a part of that for us and as we look down the road it's exciting. We have ben waiting and preparing and hopefully for us, this is something that could go for 20 years. The most important thing for us is to make sure we are not putting too much pressure on Joey. Whatever the timing is, we are committed and Toyota is committed." 

Lagano has been testing for JGR for some time but was not eligible to run in any Nationwide Series races because he had not yet turned 18. That changed on Saturday.

"I have been waiting on this birthday to come forever," Logano said.

Asked if he was under extreme pressure coming into the Nationwide Series, considering the No. 20 car's dominance, he said he was up to it and wants to run up front.

"I definitely have one of the best cars," Logano said. "I would rather be in a car that I know can win races. Yeah, there's pressure but I would rather have a shot at winning races than running 20th. I feel like I am ready to go out there and win races."