Gio Ruggiero takes third victory of 2026 in rain-shortened Henry Ford Health 200 at Michigan

BROOKLYN, Mich. – Joe Gibbs Racing ended Pinnacle Racing Group’s winning streak at Michigan International Speedway on Friday afternoon, with Gio Ruggiero driving their No. 18 Toyota to victory in the Henry Ford Health 200.

A decisive push from Gavan Boschele during the final restart propelled Ruggiero past ARCA Menards Series points leader Jake Bollman just after the halfway mark. Adverse weather conditions soon concluded the race, securing Ruggiero's third win in four ARCA Menards Series starts this year.

This victory also prevented PRG from achieving a third consecutive win in the Michigan ARCA Menards Series.

RELATED: Complete results from the Henry Ford Health 200

Restarts were crucial in the Henry Ford Health 200 for gaining track position. Despite acknowledging his car's potential for improvement, Ruggiero capitalized on the frequent restarts, leading to another win.

“It was great that Gavan [Boschele] helped push me at the end to take the lead,” Ruggiero stated. “We executed well on every restart. Our car performed well, though I felt we were slightly lagging in speed. Nonetheless, we achieved our goal. It was a positive day for us.”

Currently in his second full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season with Tricon Garage, Ruggiero has maximized his opportunities in the ARCA Menards Series with Joe Gibbs Racing.

After securing two top-five finishes with Gibbs in 2025, Ruggiero began 2026 by delivering the first win for the JGR ARCA Menards Series program at Daytona International Speedway, followed by another victory at Kansas Speedway.

As rain approached Michigan during the Henry Ford Health 200's midpoint, Ruggiero patiently followed Bollman, who gained the lead on the second-to-last restart. A caution caused by Bobby Earnhardt's spin provided Ruggiero the opportunity he needed.

Ruggiero overtook Bollman on the restart and maintained the lead until a multi-car crash slowed the field just before inclement weather ended the 100-lap event prematurely.

Although Ruggiero would have preferred to finish under green conditions, especially with rain affecting his last two race weekends, he adeptly adjusted to the changing circumstances with guidance from crew chief Matt Ross, remaining composed through the intense late-race restarts.

“That’s been our strategy every week,” Ruggiero noted. “You need to seize opportunities, execute effectively, and secure track position when possible. I was aware of the impending rain, though not to this extent. It's fantastic to achieve the win.

“I hope to win the Truck race tomorrow and celebrate in Victory Lane.”

Following Ruggiero in second place was Bollman, who further strengthened his lead in the ARCA Menards Series standings. Boschele finished third after assisting Ruggiero to the lead, with PRG teammates Mosack and Buice rounding out the top five.

Completing the top 10 were Thomas Annunziata, Isabella Robusto, Will Kimmel, Wesley Slimp, and George Siciliano.

Cleetus McFarland, who secured the pole position for the Henry Ford Health 200, was involved in the final accident of the day but finished 14th as the last car on the lead lap.

The ARCA Menards Series will next visit Pocono Raceway, marking the series' return to the historic venue since 2023. The Pocono ARCA 150 is scheduled for Friday, June 12, at 3 p.m. ET, with FS1 providing live coverage.