Coming off a breakout season in 2012, Buescher went on to record four wins in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, 10 Top-5 and 14 Top-10 finishes, en route to his and Turner Motorsports' first NASCAR Championship. In addition to Buescher's NCWTS exploits, he also won the NASCAR Nationwide series' opening race at the famed Daytona International Speedway in February.
"Last season was a dream come true for me,” said Buescher. “I had always dreamt of winning a NASCAR championship. I am most excited about the opportunity to compete to become the first driver to win the NCWTS championship in back-to-back seasons. I look forward to working with the entire Turner Motorsports organization and Rheem on our quest to keep the NCWTS championship at Turner Motorsports.”
"Everyone at Turner Motorsports is excited to have James return to Turner Motorsports and the seat of the No. 31 NCWTS ride,” said team owner Steve Turner. “And to have a company like Rheem with such a long standing relationship in the sport of NASCAR come on board is an honor. To have Rheem join us is just the icing on the cake."
"The Rheem family of quality brands is proud to continue our support of NASCAR by joining Turner Motorsports for the 2013 season,” said JR Jones, Rheem President and CEO. “The Rheem hallmarks of quality , innovation and consistent performance are the same qualities as those exhibited at Turner Motorsports. Championship performance built on professionals dedicated to delivering quality results is at the heart of Rheem; we believe that Steve Turner, his entire organization, James Buescher and the No. 31 team exemplify those same characteristics. We can't wait to see the famed red and black Rheem paint design competing for the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.”
Buescher’s 2012 champion crew chief, Michael Shelton, will return to his previous role with the No. 31 Rheem Chevy Silverado in 2013.