Tristan McKee, recognized as the first driver in Spire Motorsports’ revamped development program, is set for his Spire Motorsports ARCA Menards Series debut in 2025. Just five days after turning 15—the minimum age for ARCA Menards Series national events—McKee will take the wheel of the No. 77 Gainbridge Chevrolet SS at Watkins Glen International on August 8 for the General Tire 100, then return for the season-ending ARCA Menards Series West race at Phoenix Raceway in November. With this move, Spire Motorsports aims to invest in emerging driving talent and give McKee vital experience at two renowned racing circuits.
Spire Motorsports Leadership Praises McKee’s Abilities and Approach
The leadership at Spire Motorsports, including President Bill Anthony, expressed strong support and optimism for McKee as he prepares to compete at Watkins Glen and Phoenix.
“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
McKee will join the roster of Spire Motorsports in select 2025 races, seeking to build his reputation and sharpen his skills in the competitive ARCA Menards Series environment.
McKee’s Rising Success in Trans Am Series Puts Him in the Spotlight
Currently, McKee leads the championship point standings in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 division. He has secured an 82-point lead, claimed one pole position, two victories, and achieved six podium finishes in the ongoing season. Over the last six races, McKee has consistently placed in the top three, including his breakthrough win in June at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
At Watkins Glen International—the same track where he will make his ARCA debut—McKee set a new track record during qualifying and started from pole position. He then led every lap to earn his second career TA2 win, reinforcing his comfort and prowess at challenging road courses.
McKee Eager for the Challenge of ARCA Debut
The anticipation for Watkins Glen and Phoenix is matched by McKee’s own excitement, especially given his road course experience from Trans Am competition.
“I’m super excited for my debut to be on a road course,”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
“I’ve been doing a lot of road course stuff through the Trans Am Series. We were just at Watkins Glen a couple weeks ago with the series and got the win, so I feel comfortable with the track. I had the opportunity to do some testing in the ARCA car, so it helped get me up to speed with the car, but I still have a lot of preparation to do over the next couple weeks in the simulator and my pre-race routine. I’m super thankful to Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge for making this happen and I’m really excited to get on track.”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
Impressive Achievements in Early Career and Diverse Racing Background
McKee’s racing credentials extend far beyond his age. He’s a regular member of the Josh Wise-led training program at the GM Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina. His early achievements include becoming, at 12 years old, the youngest winner in CARS Tour history with a 100-lap Pro Late Model victory at Dillon Motor Speedway, South Carolina. His success continued with wins at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Caraway Speedway, and Cordele Motor Speedway, reflecting his adaptability across numerous venues in the Southeast.
Throughout his journey, McKee has compiled a collection of accomplishments that many seasoned veterans would envy, including multiple late model stock wins in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Among the highlights, he won the limited late model feature at Hickory Motor Speedway’s Fall Brawl in 2023. The previous year, at just 11, he earned Rookie of the Year and championship titles at Orange County Speedway.
Before racing late models, McKee found early success in Bandolero competition, winning the 2020 national championship, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Summer Shootout, and the Atlanta Motor Speedway Thursday Night Thunder Championship. His journey started in karting, where he collected 44 wins and six division titles, demonstrating his rapid ascent through the motorsports ranks.
Continued Growth Through Multiple Series and Formats
In addition to his Trans Am schedule, McKee has already participated in 13 late model events in 2025. Notable results include a podium in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour opener and a race victory at Cordele Motor Speedway’s inaugural series event. In CARS Late Model Stock Tour competition, he scored four top-five results in seven starts, including a second-place finish during the North Wilkesboro event, which was linked to NASCAR’s All-Star festivities in May.
McKee’s adaptability was on display again during his Super Late Model debut at Evergreen Speedway in Washington, where he raced among the top talents of the Northwest Super Late Model Series, finishing second in the Summer Showdown 200.
“The season has definitely gone really, really good so far,”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
“We have a couple Trans Am wins, lead the points and have a podium in each of the last six races. We haven’t been at all the CARS Tour races, but we have put together a lot of good runs. It has been one of the best years of my career, so far. It is all preparing me to drive different cars because I am doing something nearly every weekend. This is just another discipline for me to learn, grow and become the driver I want to be. I think we will be really strong.”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
The Broader Effort from Spire Motorsports in ARCA Menards Series
Spire Motorsports has already made three ARCA Menards Series appearances this year with Corey Day as its driver. Although a crash at Daytona ended Day’s first start, he rebounded with consecutive top-10 finishes at Phoenix Raceway and Sonoma Raceway in the ARCA West Series, helping to establish the team as a competitive presence in the ARCA paddock.
The General Tire 100 at Watkins Glen International—where McKee’s ARCA debut will occur—will be broadcast live on FS2, starting at 2 p.m. Eastern on Friday, August 8. Fans can also follow the 13th round of the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season on the Motor Racing Network and on ARCARacing.com, offering exposure for both McKee and Spire Motorsports as they continue to build their ARCA program.
What McKee’s Debut Means for the Team and Series
As Spire Motorsports positions itself for greater success, the decision to promote a developing young driver like Tristan McKee is seen as a strategic investment in future results. For McKee, the debut at Watkins Glen and the follow-up at Phoenix offer the opportunity to showcase his adaptability and talent in high-profile national events.
With established leadership at Spire Motorsports, sponsors like Gainbridge supporting the campaign, and major entities from the ARCA Menards Series to national NASCAR events involved, all eyes will be on this energetic teen from Williamsburg, Virginia. The outcome of these races could well set the tone for McKee’s racing future and highlight Spire Motorsports’ growing influence in North American stock car development.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Spire Motorsports ever won a race?
A. Here’s a brief overview of Spire Motorsports. The team won its first NASCAR Cup Series race during its debut season. Justin Haley clinched the victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona, Florida.
Q. Has Spire Motorsports won a race?
A. Spire Motorsports got its first NASCAR Cup Series win during its first full season. Justin Haley won at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019, in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race.
