Daytona 500 Champion Stenhouse Jr. to Tackle Craftsman Truck Series Season Opener

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the celebrated winner of the 2023 Daytona 500, is poised to make his highly anticipated debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece Motorsports announced that the veteran Cup Series driver will pilot the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, marking his first foray into the Truck Series despite a lengthy career in NASCAR’s top two divisions.

Stenhouse Jr., a 38-year-old native of Olive Branch, Mississippi, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, particularly on superspeedways. His career in the NASCAR Cup Series spans over 400 starts, during which he has secured four victories. Notably, all of his Cup Series wins have come at tracks known for their high-speed, pack-style racing. His triumph in the 2017 summer race at Daytona was a significant achievement, but his crowning moment arrived in 2023 with his dramatic victory in the prestigious Daytona 500, often referred to as "The Great American Race."

Beyond his Cup Series accomplishments, Stenhouse Jr. also enjoyed a dominant period in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, capturing back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012. His combined starts in the Cup and Xfinity Series (formerly Nationwide Series) exceed 600, yet a competitive start in the Truck Series has eluded him until now.

"I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together," Stenhouse Jr. stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming opportunity. "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 financial backing for Stenhouse Jr.’s maiden Truck Series outing will be provided by J.F. Electric. Niece Motorsports has also indicated plans for Stenhouse Jr. to compete in the second race of the season, which will take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway, another track renowned for its drafting-style racing. This strategic scheduling suggests a focus on leveraging Stenhouse Jr.’s strengths in speedway environments.

Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports, echoed Stenhouse Jr.’s excitement and highlighted the team’s confidence in his abilities. "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 Craftsman Truck Series, consistently fielding strong entries and challenging for victories. The team’s commitment to providing top-tier equipment and support is a significant factor in attracting experienced drivers like Stenhouse Jr. Their strategy of focusing on drafting tracks for Stenhouse Jr.’s appearances aligns with his career trajectory and past successes.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for February. The event traditionally draws a large crowd and features intense, close-quarters racing due to the nature of the track. For Stenhouse Jr., this debut represents an opportunity to add another significant accomplishment to his already impressive resume and to experience a different facet of NASCAR competition. His familiarity with the Daytona track, having won both a Cup Series regular season race and the sport’s most iconic event there, positions him as an immediate contender.

The decision by Stenhouse Jr. to compete in the Truck Series, even for a limited schedule, underscores the growing appeal of the division for established drivers seeking new challenges or opportunities to hone their skills. His participation is expected to generate considerable interest and boost viewership for the season opener.

The broader context of the NASCAR season also sees other notable drivers making returns or appearances in the Truck Series. Tony Stewart, a multiple-time Cup Series champion, is also slated to make his first Truck Series start in two decades at a later point in the season. Jimmie Johnson, another highly decorated Cup Series veteran, has also recently announced his return to the Truck Series for select events after a hiatus of over 17 years. These high-profile entries highlight a trend of seasoned NASCAR stars engaging with the Truck Series, adding depth and prestige to the competition.

Stenhouse Jr.’s career began in dirt track racing before transitioning to asphalt oval racing. His early success in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series paved the way for his move to the national series. His aggressive driving style and knack for navigating the chaos of pack racing have been hallmarks of his career, particularly at tracks like Daytona and Talladega.

The statistical profile of Stenhouse Jr. at Daytona is particularly compelling. His average finish at the track in the Cup Series is significantly better than his career average across all tracks, a testament to his affinity for the 2.5-mile superspeedway. This statistical advantage, combined with his recent Daytona 500 victory, makes him a driver to watch closely in the upcoming Truck Series race.

The inclusion of Atlanta Motor Speedway, a recently reconfigured track that has adopted a drafting-style racing format, further suggests a strategic approach by Niece Motorsports and Stenhouse Jr. to maximize their potential for success. The new Atlanta configuration has produced high-speed racing reminiscent of Daytona and Talladega, playing to the strengths of drivers experienced in those environments.

The announcement from Niece Motorsports signifies a significant addition to the Craftsman Truck Series roster for the upcoming season. The team, under Efaw’s leadership, has shown a consistent upward trajectory in performance. Their collaboration with a driver of Stenhouse Jr.’s caliber and proven superspeedway prowess creates a potent combination.

As the NASCAR season approaches, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the Daytona International Speedway as it hosts the opening rounds of competition across all three national series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s debut in the Craftsman Truck Series adds an intriguing storyline to an already anticipated event, promising a competitive and potentially thrilling race for fans and competitors alike. The opportunity for Stenhouse Jr. to achieve a Truck Series victory at the same venue where he claimed his most significant career win adds a layer of narrative depth to his upcoming appearance.

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