Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Niece Motorsports decision has drawn strong attention after the team chose to release Kaden Honeycutt just before the start of the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs, despite the driver’s playoff hopes. The move, which Earnhardt called highly unusual within modern NASCAR, has fueled debate over team loyalty and the evolving nature of contracts in racing.
Earnhardt Weighs In on Niece Motorsports’ Move
Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed the situation during his Dale Jr. Download podcast, reacting to the choice by Niece Motorsports to release Honeycutt shortly before the playoffs begin. Honeycutt, who had put himself in a strong position for postseason contention, was let go after reportedly signing to race elsewhere in future seasons. On the podcast, Earnhardt stated,
“Honeycutt is 73 points above the cut line for the playoffs,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator. He further noted,
“I don’t remember hearing anything like this before, where a guy got a new job or next year, so you fire him. I’m sure it’s happened, but it feels like this is something that maybe went down in the ’70s or ’80s. It’s nothing that’s happened recently.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator.
Niece Motorsports confirmed on Monday that Honeycutt was being released, mentioning his commitment to a different team and manufacturer starting in the 2026 season. Reports from Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass indicated Honeycutt is expected to move to Tricon Garage / Toyota next year. This decision set off a wave of commentary about driver loyalty and contractual agreements within NASCAR.
Shifting Teams and Loyalty Debates
Earnhardt commented on Honeycutt’s pending shift to Tricon, highlighting the complexities in modern contracts and opportunities.
“I have zero problem with a driver getting a different deal and going somewhere else,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator. He expressed mixed feelings about the matter, adding,
“Now, you’d like some loyalty, you’d like some commitment. You’ve given Kaden this chance, Niece has given him this chance to get into the Truck Series. Well, he used that opportunity, and he’s going to go somewhere better and different.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator.
This series of moves underlines a changing landscape in racing, where driver–team relationships are more transactional and future contracts can spark sudden team changes even in the midst of playoff runs. The uncertainty has left some wondering whether team success or long-term planning should take precedence as the season ramps up.
Honeycutt to Race for Halmar Friesen Racing After Friesen’s Injury
In an unexpected turn, Halmar Friesen Racing announced that Honeycutt will drive the No. 52 Toyota for the remainder of the Truck Series season. He will take over for Stewart Friesen, who is recovering from serious injuries sustained during a Super DIRTcar Series crash in Canada on July 28. The news swiftly followed his release from Niece, giving Honeycutt a new competitive opportunity in the closing eight races of the season.
On his new assignment, Honeycutt stated,
“It’s an honor to be able to fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season and help give his team a chance at the owner’s championship, which they earned,”
—Kaden Honeycutt, NASCAR Driver. He continued,
“I’m excited to compete in contending, race-winning equipment as I pursue a title this season. We are going to work hard to have a solid final eight races of the season and continue to deliver great results for Stewart, his family and this organization.”
—Kaden Honeycutt, NASCAR Driver.
Honeycutt previously drove part-time for Niece Motorsports before joining full-time this year, where he posted nine top-10 finishes and placed in the top three twice. The changes not only impact Honeycutt’s current trajectory but also bring Stewart Friesen’s recovery into focus, as the team’s postseason hopes now rest on its replacement driver’s adaptability and experience.
The unprecedented timing of Niece‘s move, public remarks from prominent figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Honeycutt’s immediate shift to Halmar Friesen Racing underscore both the uncertainty and opportunity that define today’s NASCAR Truck Series. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on how these dramatic changes shape both individual careers and team strategies across the sport.
