Tristan McKee, a standout young driver in the racing world, will have his Spire Motorsports ARCA debut at Watkins Glen, showcasing his talents to a broader motorsports audience. This exciting opportunity follows McKee’s recent victory in the Trans-Am TA2 Series at the same iconic track, underscoring his rapid rise in competitive racing.
Emergence of a Promising New Racer
Tristan McKee has earned significant attention across the motorsports community, thanks to his performances in the CARS Tour and Trans-Am Series. Regarded as one of NASCAR‘s most promising prospects, McKee, born in 2010 in Kannapolis, has built his life around racing. Observers in the industry suggest that his consistent development signals he is quickly surpassing the level of his current competition. The chance to race in the ARCA Menards Series signifies a key milestone in his career progression.
While a full-time NASCAR campaign may still be a few years away, McKee’s participation with Spire Motorsports shows the team’s investment in nurturing emerging talent. The path ahead is intentional: giving McKee select appearances while he continues to refine his racing abilities, both at road courses and major ovals.
Debut Race Scheduled for Spire Motorsports at Watkins Glen
According to Spire Motorsports, McKee will pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet SS for his ARCA Menards Series debut at Watkins Glen before heading to Phoenix later in the season. McKee’s previous experiences, including his ongoing dominance in the Trans-Am TA2 Series where he currently holds the points lead, place him among the favorites for a strong result at Watkins Glen, depending on the strength of the field.
“Putting this young gun on the track.@Racing7Tristan will pilot our No. 77 Chevrolet SS in the ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen and Phoenix later this season.📰: https://t.co/afMQ0101pI pic.twitter.com/56G63qgO5O”—Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport)
Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony explained the team’s confidence in McKee, saying,
“Tristan McKee is one of those rare young drivers who makes you lean in and pay attention,” —Bill Anthony, Spire Motorsports President
“He’s shown talent, maturity, and the kind of work ethic that earns respect across our organization. We’re excited to get him some seat time in the ARCA Menards Series and let him grow at the right pace. Watkins Glen and Phoenix will be great tests, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in Spire colors.” —Bill Anthony, Spire Motorsports President
Watkins Glen: A Familiar Stage for McKee
Earlier in 2025, McKee claimed a significant win at Watkins Glen in Trans-Am TA2 competition. His victory on this demanding course showcased his exceptional road racing skills, providing valuable experience for his ARCA debut. With his familiarity with the track and a solid record, many believe he stands a strong chance of making an immediate impact in the series.
The current crop of talented young drivers in American motorsports—such as Brent Crews, Corey Day, and Connor Zilisch—share McKee’s reputation for adaptability and potential to reach the NASCAR Cup Series in the future. All have excelled in various racing disciplines, including both road courses and ovals, pointing to a new generation of drivers with well-rounded skillsets.
A Developmental Focus at Spire Motorsports
Spire Motorsports has prioritized developing young drivers like Corey Day and Tristan McKee through its ARCA program, positioning itself as a pipeline for emerging talent. Strong associations with Hendrick Motorsports provide the team’s prospects with access to top-tier resources, setting a foundation for long-term success.
While McKee will not be competing full-time in NASCAR immediately, his rapid progress, strong work ethic, and proven results mark him as a driver to watch closely in upcoming seasons. The Spire Motorsports ARCA debut at Watkins Glen is expected to be a pivotal test of his readiness to compete at higher levels, and he could soon establish himself as a standout on bigger stages.
With McKee’s impressive entry into ARCA competition, fans and industry experts alike will be monitoring his progress at Watkins Glen and Phoenix, anticipating future milestones as his career unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Spire Motorsports ever won a race?
A. Here’s some information about Spire Motorsports. In their first full season, Spire Motorsports won their first NASCAR Cup Series race. Justin Haley drove to victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, Florida.
Q. Has Spire Motorsports won a race?
A. Spire Motorsports got its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win in their first full season. Justin Haley won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019.
