For the 2025 season, Toyota Driver Gio Ruggiero’s approach has been to slow down and embrace a peaceful mentality.
“Something that I’ve applied during this season is patience and having a calm mindset,” he says. “This has helped me get through the year and learning experiences of the NASCAR® Craftsman Truck Series.”
Evidently, it’s been a winning plan.
Coming off a successful Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) season last year, which included his first career win, Ruggiero made a name for himself in the NASCAR® Craftsman Truck Series world.
Maintaining a Competitive Edge
Recognizing his rookie status in the Truck Series, he’s been committed to working even harder to stay competitive.
“My goal for the year was to win a race,” he says. “I am trying to prepare the best I can before I go to each race by studying film and practicing on the simulator. I feel that I must do more than my competitors because I have not raced at most of these tracks before.”
That focus and determination has paid off.
In October, Ruggiero scored Rookie of the Year honors for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.
Races to Remember
While he may be new to the Truck Series tracks, his love for racing isn’t.
He adds, “My racing journey began when I went to a local late-model race with some family members. Ever since that day, I fell in love with the sport.”
Since his debut, he’s had some notable professional milestones, including winning a late-model race at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2023.
“My whole family was there, and I was able to celebrate the victory with my dad, which was very special,” Ruggiero says of the memorable experience.
Unwavering Support
Ruggiero relies on the TD2 team to help maintain his winning streak and consistently perform at his best.
“Since I have been a part of the TD2 program it has significantly helped my physical and mental strength,” he says. “The TD2 program has great resources for its drivers to use, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to take part in it and have access to many great things that other development programs don’t have.”
In addition to TD2, Ruggiero looks to mentors and fellow drivers to help steer him in the right direction.
He adds, “I am inspired by people like Michael Chandler; I admire his work ethic and his fight and determination to win.”
- Non-Toyota trademarks and trade names appearing on the vehicles are those of their respective owners. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.”
Originally published December 2, 2025
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