MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Spire Motorsports has signed Chase Purdy to drive the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado as preparations ramp up for the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, the team announced Wednesday.
Purdy will be paired with veteran race engineer and crew chief Jason Trinchere as the team mounts its first Truck Series championship effort since it began competing in select events two years ago.
“Chase Purdy is really coming into his own as a driver and we think pairing him with a crew chief the caliber of Jason Trinchere will elevate his level of competitiveness immediately,” said Spire Motorsports President Doug Duchardt. “We put a lot of thought into putting Chase together with the right person and at the conclusion of that process, it was very clear that Jason is the person to lead the No. 77 team.
“This is a combination we expect to set a very high bar in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.”
Purdy, 24, began his Truck Series career in 2018 and has logged 75 career starts. He finished a career-best 11th in points last season on the strength of two poles, three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes behind the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
“I’m really excited to get going on 2024 with Spire Motorsports,” said Purdy. “Seeing what they’ve done in the last few years and the drivers they’ve had come through, being in that system makes me excited for the future. I’m more determined than ever. There are a few new people, Jason Trinchere, obviously being one of them, but, for the most part, we still have our same core group of guys so we’re looking to keep up that momentum from last year.
“I’m just really eager to get the new season started. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Trinchere is an Easton, Pa., native who graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a mechanical engineering degree in 2005. He’s a second-generation racer whose father, Karl, owned championship-winning pavement modifieds, competing mostly in and around northeast Pennsylvania.
In 2019, Trinchere moved to Kaulig Racing where he began as an engineer before being promoted to crew chief in 2021, ultimately serving in that capacity for all three of the organization’s Xfinity Series teams.
Over that time, Trinchere contributed to 21 wins and 110 top-five finishes. This season will mark the former modified racer’s 19th as a professional, and first in the Truck Series since 2007.
“I am excited for 2024 and look forward to working with Chase and everyone at Spire Motorsports,” said Trinchere “Chase ended the season on a high note, showing speed and consistency, so I look forward to building on that momentum going into the new season.”