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NASCAR Cup Series veteran and two-time Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is set to make his highly anticipated debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the team announced today. Stenhouse Jr. will pilot the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway on February 16th.
This marks a significant moment for the 38-year-old driver, who, despite a prolific career spanning over 400 Cup Series starts and four victories, has never competed in the Truck Series. His career has been marked by a particular affinity for superspeedways, a track type where he has achieved all his premier series wins, including his monumental Daytona 500 triumph in 2023. He also secured a victory at Daytona in the summer of 2017.
Beyond his Cup Series accolades, Stenhouse Jr. also enjoyed considerable success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), capturing back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012. With nearly 600 starts across NASCAR’s top two divisions, the Olive Branch, Mississippi, native’s entry into the Truck Series has been a long-anticipated possibility.
"I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together," Stenhouse Jr. stated in a press release. "When Cody (Efaw) called me, I definitely had a lot of interest to see what all they have been building here at Niece Motorsports, especially looking at their level of competition. With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the 500 was awesome, and I’d love to win a Truck Series race there, too. I’ve always wanted to race a truck, but I wanted it to be competitive – and this checks all of those boxes."
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The sponsorship for Stenhouse Jr.’s maiden Truck Series outing will be provided by J.F. Electric. Niece Motorsports has also confirmed plans for Stenhouse Jr. to compete in the second race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, another venue known for its drafting-style racing.
Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s new addition. "We are all very excited to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to our team for his first time racing in the Truck Series," Efaw commented. "I’ve known Ricky for several years now dating back to our time at Roush (now RFK Racing), and he’s always been a natural on superspeedways. I believe he will have a true shot at contending for the win at both Daytona and Atlanta."
Niece Motorsports has established itself as a competitive force in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded by Al Niece, the team has fielded entries in the series since 2016 and has achieved multiple wins and consistent top-tier performances. The team’s technical capabilities and driver development programs have attracted notable talent over the years. Their recent performance indicators suggest they will provide Stenhouse Jr. with a capable machine to compete for victory.
The addition of Stenhouse Jr. to the Truck Series roster for the Daytona opener is part of a broader trend of established NASCAR stars making appearances in the series. Notably, recent weeks have seen announcements of other prominent figures returning to the Truck Series, including Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson, who are also scheduled to compete at Daytona. Stewart will make his first Truck Series start in two decades, while Johnson is set to return to the series for the first time in over 17 years. This influx of experienced talent is expected to elevate the competition and viewership for the early-season races.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season traditionally kicks off with a high-octane event at Daytona International Speedway. The 2.5-mile tri-oval is renowned for its close racing, drafting packs, and the inherent unpredictability that often leads to dramatic finishes. Stenhouse Jr.’s proven success on such tracks, combined with the technical prowess of Niece Motorsports, positions him as a significant contender for the win in his series debut.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, the site of the second race, has also undergone significant changes, transitioning to a shorter, wider configuration that promotes pack racing and increased passing opportunities, mirroring some of the dynamics seen at superspeedways. Stenhouse Jr.’s adaptability and experience in drafting scenarios will be crucial in this event as well.
The organizational structure and driver lineup at Niece Motorsports are designed to foster a winning environment. The team’s commitment to research and development, coupled with strategic driver acquisitions, has been a hallmark of their program. Stenhouse Jr.’s extensive background in high-pressure racing situations, particularly at Daytona, suggests a seamless integration into the team’s operational flow.
The implications of Stenhouse Jr.’s Truck Series start extend beyond his personal career objectives. It offers a valuable platform for Niece Motorsports to showcase its capabilities and attract further sponsorship and fan engagement. The draw of a Daytona 500 winner competing in their series is a significant boost for the Craftsman Truck Series, particularly in its early-season events.
As the NASCAR calendar prepares to commence, the anticipation surrounding Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s Truck Series debut is palpable. His history of success, particularly on the superspeedway circuits, combined with the competitive machinery provided by Niece Motorsports and the backing of J.F. Electric, creates a compelling narrative for the season opener. The opportunity for him to add a Truck Series victory to his already impressive resume at the iconic Daytona International Speedway adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming race.
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