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The landscape of NASCAR is perpetually evolving, with new talent emerging to challenge established stars and redefine the sport’s future. As the 2026 season approaches, a cohort of drivers under the age of 25 are positioning themselves for a significant impact on the Cup Series grid. These emerging talents, honed in the competitive environments of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), represent the next wave of potential champions.
Last year’s top prospect, Connor Zilisch, demonstrated the validity of such rankings by dominating the Xfinity Series (now NOAPS) and securing a full-time Cup Series ride with Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88 Chevrolet. His success underscores the importance of identifying and tracking these burgeoning careers. This analysis focuses on drivers currently under 25, examining their performance statistics and future outlook to project their potential ascent in 2026.
1. Corey Heim (23) – Undetermined Full-Time Ride
Currently, Corey Heim finds himself in a perplexing situation for a driver of his caliber. Despite being the reigning Truck Series champion and a widely recognized talent, a full-time Cup Series ride for 2026 remains unconfirmed. While he is expected to compete in select Cup races with 23XI Racing, having already secured a sixth-place finish at the Bristol Night Race in 2025, his absence from a full-time championship pursuit is notable.
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Heim’s 2025 season was nothing short of historic in the NCTS. His performances were so dominant that a dedicated report detailed numerous Truck Series records he shattered, many of which had stood since the 1990s. This statistical dominance firmly establishes him as a generational talent. While 23XI Racing has shown considerable interest, the uncertainty surrounding his 2026 schedule is a significant talking point within the NASCAR community. His undeniable skill suggests he will not remain on the sidelines for long.
2. Brent Crews (17) – #19 Joe Gibbs Racing (NOAPS)
Brent Crews is set to be a prominent contender in the NOAPS for Joe Gibbs Racing, piloting the No. 19 Toyota. He is slated to compete in 29 of the 33 scheduled races. The four races he will miss are solely due to age restrictions, highlighting his youth and rapid progression. As a Toyota Development Driver, the 17-year-old has already achieved remarkable success, securing six victories in 17 ARCA Series starts.
His transition to the NCTS saw him narrowly miss a win, accumulating two top-five and three top-ten finishes in ten starts with Tricon Garage. Notably, at the Charlotte Roval, he led a substantial 53 of 70 laps before finishing second. Crews will be eligible to contend for the NOAPS championship in 2026. He is expected to receive a playoff waiver for the races missed due to age-related restrictions, positioning him as a serious championship threat.
3. Kaden Honeycutt (22) – #11 Tricon Garage (NCTS)
Kaden Honeycutt demonstrated significant promise throughout the 2025 season, and his performances suggest a victory was within reach. The 22-year-old driver showcased his capabilities by competing with two different teams, Niece Motorsports and Halmar-Friesen Racing, without missing a beat. His consistent performance led him to the Championship 4, ultimately securing third place in the season standings.
For 2026, Honeycutt is poised to take the reins of the championship-winning No. 11 truck at Tricon Garage. While stepping into the shoes of a champion is a significant challenge, it also presents an exceptional opportunity. With the fastest truck in the field at his disposal, Honeycutt has the equipment to continue Tricon Garage’s legacy of success. His performance in this highly competitive environment will be a key indicator of his potential for future Cup Series aspirations.
4. Jesse Love (20) – #2 Richard Childress Racing (NOAPS)
Entering the 2025 season, Jesse Love was already an accomplished ARCA champion, having dominated the 2023 season with ten wins in twenty races. His trajectory took a significant leap forward just a few months ago when he unexpectedly clinched the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series title, narrowly overtaking Zilisch in the season finale. Love’s championship run was a testament to his resilience, as he navigated through every round of the playoffs to emerge victorious.
Following his Xfinity Series triumph, Love ventured to Australia to compete in the Super 2 finale at the Adelaide Street Circuit and is scheduled to participate in the Chili Bowl Nationals. His surprise championship has elevated his profile significantly. However, Love may feel a need to validate his title, as some online discussions have questioned the playoff format. This potential motivation could drive him to further silence doubters in 2026. His proximity to the Cup Series is also noteworthy, having made five Cup starts with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 2025.
5. Layne Riggs (23) – #34 Front Row Motorsports (NCTS)
Layne Riggs emerged as a significant challenger to Corey Heim’s dominance in the 2025 NCTS season, securing three race victories. Despite his strong performance, he narrowly missed qualifying for the Championship 4, ultimately finishing fifth in the points standings. However, when excluding Heim from the statistics, Riggs led all other drivers in key metrics, including race wins, laps led, top-five finishes, pole positions, and average finish.
Riggs will return to Front Row Motorsports (FRM) for the 2026 season. With Heim’s departure from the NCTS ranks, Riggs is considered the early favorite to contend for the championship. His consistent performance and track record suggest he is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and further solidify his status as a top prospect.
6. Carson Kvapil (22) – JR Motorsports (NOAPS)
Carson Kvapil’s 2026 season with JR Motorsports will be characterized by a unique approach, as he is slated to drive multiple car numbers throughout the season. His schedule will involve working with different crew chiefs, reflecting a dynamic strategy to maximize his development. Kvapil was a driver many expected to achieve greater success in 2025, but his journey to the Championship 4 with JR Motorsports highlights his inherent talent.
Despite a strong playoff showing, Kvapil concluded the 2025 season winless, making him the only full-time JR Motorsports driver not to visit Victory Lane. Nevertheless, his talent is evident, and a second year with JR Motorsports could prove to be a breakout season for the young driver. His ability to translate raw speed into consistent victories will be a key focus for his 2026 campaign.
7. Rajah Caruth (23) – #88 JR Motorsports / #32 Jordan Anderson Racing (NOAPS)
Similar to Kvapil, Rajah Caruth will adopt a multifaceted approach to his 2026 NOAPS season, competing in all 33 races. He is scheduled to drive 23 races for JR Motorsports and the remaining ten for Jordan Anderson Racing. This arrangement presents a significant challenge, given the disparity in equipment between the two organizations. Caruth’s ability to navigate this situation and elevate Jordan Anderson Racing will be closely watched.
Caruth spent the previous three seasons as a full-time competitor in the Truck Series, where he achieved two victories and a career-best sixth-place finish in the championship standings. He has also gained experience in the secondary series through various starts. With continued support from Hendrickcars.com and Rick Hendrick, a prominent figure in NASCAR, Caruth is well-positioned for this next step in his career. However, transitioning away from the Truck Series to the NOAPS will be a significant test of his adaptability and skill.
8. Corey Day (20) – #17 Hendrick Motorsports (NOAPS)
Often compared to Kyle Larson due to their similar racing backgrounds, Corey Day will embark on a full-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign in 2026 with Hendrick Motorsports. This association provides him with access to premier resources and support as he navigates a demanding season. Day has showcased flashes of speed throughout his young NASCAR career, but has also been prone to unforced errors.
In eleven starts with Hendrick Motorsports in 2025, he achieved a best finish of fourth at Las Vegas. However, his performance was inconsistent, averaging a 15.9 finish for the year. He also competed in nine Truck Series races with Spire, recording a second-place finish at IRP, indicating his potential speed. The 2026 season will be crucial for Day to consolidate his performance. With the full backing of Hendrick Motorsports, his success will hinge on his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver consistent results.
9. Chandler Smith (23) – #38 Front Row Motorsports (NCTS)
Chandler Smith’s career path has been somewhat unconventional, yet he continues to secure victories. The 23-year-old has three wins in the secondary NASCAR series and achieved a fifth-place finish in the 2024 standings. Despite initial uncertainty about his 2025 plans, he secured a ride with Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series. While this might appear as a step back, Smith maximized the opportunity, securing two wins and bringing his NCTS career total to seven.
His potential for future success hinges on his ability to match the performance level of his teammate Layne Riggs in 2026. If Smith can achieve similar results, his future in the sport remains promising.
10. Taylor Gray (20) – #54 Joe Gibbs Racing (NOAPS)
Taylor Gray has demonstrated a particular affinity for Martinsville Speedway. In 2024, he was on the verge of winning a critical NCTS playoff race at the track, which would have secured him a spot in the Championship 4, but was involved in an incident. He ultimately finished sixth in the season standings. The Toyota driver then advanced to the Xfinity Series in 2025 with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he experienced a similar outcome at Martinsville, being wrecked while leading. However, he later secured a victory at the track in the secondary series, concluding his rookie season with a seventh-place points finish.
As a Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Gray faces high expectations to elevate his performance in 2026. While his potential is evident, his ability to translate that into sustained success will be a defining factor for his career.
Honorable Mention: Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen
While Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen, at 28, falls outside the "under 25" criteria, his recent achievements warrant special recognition. The late model standout dominated the 2025 ARCA Menards Series, securing eight wins and the championship. In his Truck Series debut in 2024 at North Wilkesboro, he finished an impressive fourth, drawing considerable attention.
Queen has since found a home with Kaulig Racing, which has signed him for their new Truck Series program with Ram. He is set to compete for the NCTS title in 2026. Kaulig Racing has a history of supporting its drivers, and if Queen excels, a potential pathway to the Cup Series could emerge if the team decides to expand its Cup program.
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