Niece Motorsports has stunned NASCAR fans by announcing that Connor Zilisch replaces Kaden Honeycutt at Watkins Glen for this weekend’s NASCAR Truck Series race, marking a sudden end to Honeycutt’s season with the team. The abrupt change comes as the team looks ahead to next season and navigates impacts tied to driver contracts and future team lineups.
Niece Motorsports Faces Major Shift Before Watkins Glen Race
Just days before the NASCAR Truck Series event at Watkins Glen, Niece Motorsports revealed that Kaden Honeycutt would no longer compete for the team. Honeycutt, who had drawn comparisons to successful drivers like Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar, was widely regarded as a promising contributor to the organization. His release comes as a significant surprise, considering his current standing at sixth in Truck Series points and positioning for the Playoffs. Bayley Currey has been tapped as Honeycutt’s replacement for the remainder of the season beyond this weekend’s race, while Zilisch steps in at The Glen.
Contract Developments Influence Driver Lineup Changes
The driving force behind this abrupt shift appears to be Honeycutt’s recently signed deal with a different team and manufacturer for 2026. With Niece Motorsports looking to plan ahead, they opted to move on from Honeycutt now rather than later, aiming to acclimate new talent to their lineup for upcoming seasons. According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Honeycutt is slated to join Toyota, likely with Tricon Garage, after his run with Niece. The unexpected split is set to send ripples throughout the Truck Series as teams and drivers react to new opportunities and open seats.
Further complicating the driver market, Pockrass noted that Halmar Friesen Racing—a Toyota-backed team—will have a truck open next season following Stewart Friesen’s recent injuries. Honeycutt may be a prime candidate for that ride, potentially solidifying his position within Toyota’s development structure. For drivers in the lower NASCAR series, such moves represent both opportunity and risk, as switching teams can dramatically shift a career trajectory.
Connor Zilisch’s Triple Duty and Ambitions at The Glen
The focus now turns to Connor Zilisch, the young driver set to fill Honeycutt’s seat for the pivotal Watkins Glen race. At just 19 years old, Zilisch will attempt a rare feat by competing in the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series all in one weekend—a challenge only a few have approached, with Kyle Busch notably sweeping all three events twice at Bristol.
Zilisch previously won at the track in both the ARCA and Xfinity Series last year, and now returns with hopes to add more victories to his impressive record. Despite fierce competition and the pressure of racing in three elite divisions, Zilisch’s passion and talent have drawn attention throughout the NASCAR community. He acknowledged the opportunity and challenge ahead, stating,
“Excited to get back in a truck with [Niece Motorsports] this weekend at my favorite track! Triple duty,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch had already been scheduled to drive in Xfinity and Cup events at Watkins Glen, with his Cup Series role expanded prior to this recent development. His full-time Xfinity campaign ensures he was always set to compete at The Glen, but this weekend’s workload now places him further in the NASCAR spotlight.
Repercussions and What Lies Ahead for Teams and Drivers
The sudden switch at Niece Motorsports, with Connor Zilisch stepping in and Kaden Honeycutt departing, adds new intrigue to the Truck Series and its Playoff race. Key figures such as Bob Pockrass, Bayley Currey, and Stewart Friesen are all involved in the ongoing shuffle, with every change potentially altering championship trajectories. As Niece, Toyota, Tricon Garage, and Halmar Friesen Racing assess their future lineups, the broader impact of these decisions will be felt across multiple NASCAR series, affecting both individual careers and organizations well beyond Watkins Glen.
