When the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) garage opened for business on Thursday afternoon, Justin Boston’s No. 25 Toyota Tundra was noticeably missing at Texas Motor Speedway.
Boston’s team, Venturini Motorsports announced in August that the Baltimore, Maryland native would compete in four NCWTS races this season, including the final three race stretch, beginning with Friday night’s WinStar World Casino & Resort 350k.
With Boston and Venturini Motorsports absent, it’s obvious, Boston’s plans have been altered with a shifted concentration towards 2015.
“I’m disappointed that I won’t be competing in the final stretch of truck races this season, but I’m (very) optimistic about 2015,” said Boston, who made his NCWTS debut at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in August.
“I’m appreciative for the opportunity I had to run in a truck at Bristol and hopes it pans out that I’ll be able to compete in more truck races down the road.”
Despite a disappointing 30th place finish at Bristol, Boston’s adaption to the NASCAR Nationwide Series seemed to far exceed expectations of most. He ran two NASCAR Nationwide Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing at Kentucky Speedway and Dover (Del.) International Speedway, which included a career-best ninth place finish at Kentucky. A week later, Boston proved that Kentucky was no fluke, by producing a solid 12th place finish, after qualifying 11th at the Monster Mile.
Shortly thereafter, it was rumored that Boston’s primary backer ZLOOP had decided to regroup and allocate their budget towards 2015.
While the 2013 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Rookie of the Year has remained mum on his intended path for next season, some of have noted that Boston has proved his worth to compete in what will become the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2015.
“I think the NASCAR Nationwide (XFINITY) races proved where I’m at,” added Boston. “But, nothing is off the table for next year, including trucks and XFINITY. Nothing’s done, but it’s looking good.”
With the unexpected departure of Elliott Sadler from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) – and bound for Roush Fenway Racing in 2015, Boston’s name continues to float around the garage area, as a potential replacement.
However, a JGR spokesperson said because of the deep learning curve that Boston faces in his career advancement, the organization has suggested a full-time campaign in the NASCAR Camping World
Truck Series would be more suitable.
Nonetheless, with Boston idle in North Carolina this weekend, his name continues to flow through the rumor “air” in both series.
“It’s good to have people talking,” Boston said with a smile.
But, the two-time ARCA Racing Series winner knows that it will take more funding, other than from ZLOOP in order to make his 2015 racing season probable.
“There’s other sponsors I’m in depth talks with,” Boston sounded. “When you are trying to run as much as I want to, it never hurts.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
