Gio Ruggiero Joins Monahan Motorsports for CARS Tour Race at North Wilkesboro

Gio Ruggiero is set to make his return to the CARS Tour Pro Late Model field next Friday night, July 17th, at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. Driving a Monahan Motorsports second entry, the #55 Toyota Camry, Gio brings a wealth of experience and hometown pride to this monumental event. As a full-time NASCAR Truck Series driver for TRICON Garage and a seasoned Late Model racer, Gio’s participation promises to intensify the competition while helping Monahan Motorsports compete for a win.

A Northeast Reunion on the Track

This race marks a special reunion for Gio and the Monahan Motorsports team. Shawn Monahan, car owner, and his son Brody Monahan, who will also be racing in the #31 car, share a longstanding relationship with Gio. All three hail from New England, creating a unique bond that goes beyond the racetrack.

Shawn Monahan reflects on Gio’s journey: while many see him as a NASCAR Truck Series driver, Shawn remembers him as the young racer who honed his skills at Seekonk and Waterford. This shared history has built a strong mutual respect between the Ruggiero and Monahan families, making this collaboration more than just a race—it’s a reunion of friends and competitors who have grown together in the sport.

Gio Ruggiero's Perspective on Returning to the CARS Tour

Gio expressed his excitement about stepping back into a Pro Late Model after a couple of years away. He said, “I’m looking forward to running a race in the CARS Tour again and being back in a Pro Late Model. It’s been a couple years, and I’m excited to get back into one especially at North Wilkesboro. It would be an awesome track to win at. I’ve ran well there in the past and feel really good about heading back in the pro car and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck on Saturday.”

His enthusiasm showcases his gratitude and respect towards Shawn for offering him a seat in the race. For Gio, stepping into Shawn's racecar was a no brainer, even against a few offers he had received from other teams.

Preparing for the NASCAR Truck Series Race

The timing of the CARS Tour race is very beneficial for Gio. The Pro Late Model race on Friday night serves as a valuable warm-up for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Saturday. Gio explained, “Racing against some of the drivers in the truck field and getting extra laps the night before will be a great way to get ready for the truck on Saturday.”

This approach allows Gio to reconnect and adapt to the track conditions, and a win would be the perfect way to build momentum heading into the weekend's NASCAR event.

Event Details and How to Watch

Fans eager to watch Gio in action can tune in to FloRacing next Friday night at 6:00 PM. The broadcast will feature both Gio in the #55 Toyota Camry and Brody Monahan in the #31 Whelen Engineering car, showcasing Monahan Motorsports' strong presence at North Wilkesboro.

Practice and qualifying sessions will take place the day before on Thursday. Qualifying will be streamed live on FloRacing as well at 6:00 PM, giving fans an early look at the field before feature events the next day.

What Makes North Wilkesboro Speedway Special

North Wilkesboro Speedway holds a unique place in stock car racing history. Known for its fast-pace, recently repaved surface, and old school short track racing, it challenges drivers while holding a nostalgic feel at the same time. Not only is the on-track experience incredible, but the Victory Lane stage is one of the most memorable in all of motorsports. Drivers who claim victory drive their car to an "elevator" in the infield where the car is then lifted up to victory lane on top of the media center, giving fans a unique viewing point for the celebration.

Winning here is a significant achievement, and Gio’s past success at the track adds to the anticipation.

The Team Behind the Driver

Behind every great driver is a dedicated team. For this race, Brandon Wilkinson will serve as Gio’s spotter, providing guidance and communication during the race. The combination of Gio driving, Brandon spotting, and Shawn Monahan’s car ownership creates a strong foundation for success while reflecting on the close-knit nature of the Northeast racing community.

Looking Ahead

Fans should mark their calendars for July 17th and prepare for an exciting night of racing to watch Gio and Brody compete. Stay tuned to FloRacing for live coverage of practice, qualifying, and the race itself.