Landen Lewis, the reigning zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Series champion, is set to make a significant leap in his racing journey by joining Niece Motorsports for a part-time run in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. This marks a pivotal step for the 19-year-old from Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and has drawn praise from veteran racer Kevin Harvick, who believes Lewis could become NASCAR’s next major standout—a sentiment at the heart of the excitement surrounding the Kevin Harvick Landen Lewis NASCAR connection.
Niece Motorsports officially announced Lewis’s signing on social media, underlining their investment in the young talent following his impressive grassroots ascent. The team shared their excitement about Lewis’s addition:
“We’re Locked in with Lewis 🔒😃 Fresh off a @CARSTour Championship, @landenlewis99 will join Niece Motorsports for a partial @NASCAR_Trucks schedule in 2026!”
This move follows a season where Landen Lewis piloted Kevin Harvick Inc.’s No. 29 car to four wins and 10 top-ten finishes in 14 races, culminating in the Late Model Stock title. Guided by NASCAR greats such as Kevin Harvick and Ron Hornaday Jr., Lewis has steadily climbed the motorsport ranks from local Legend Car racing to the threshold of NASCAR’s national stage.
Mentorship and Support from NASCAR Icons
Kevin Harvick has taken a special interest in Landen Lewis’s development, openly championing his work ethic and drive. Harvick’s longstanding involvement with the young driver goes well beyond casual endorsement. Harvick’s view on Lewis’s unique character and potential is illustrated by his enthusiastic comments:
“I just don’t think there are many kids that are left like Landen. When you look at his work ethic, determination and ability, and the sacrifices that he makes with his time, it’s contagious. It attracts people to him; it attracts sponsors, and it attracts everybody to want to support him.”
Lewis will not only compete in select Truck Series races with Niece but is also slated to participate in additional Late Model events alongside Harvick in 2026. This dual campaign underscores a commitment to Lewis’s broader professional development, with the NASCAR organization aiming to continue its legacy as a launchpad for new stars.
Niece Motorsports currently runs multiple trucks, with drivers such as Chandler Smith, Matt Mills, and Kaden Honeycutt, as well as employing rotating lineups for several of its entries throughout the season. Lewis joins a roster that has helped launch careers for names like Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar, further emphasizing the team’s focus on fostering up-and-coming talent within NASCAR.
A Grateful Opportunity and a Focus on Growth
For Landen Lewis, earning a spot with Niece Motorsports is more than just the next step; it is an opportunity to build long-term relationships and hone his skills surrounded by some of the sport’s most respected figures. Expressing his appreciation, Lewis shared his excitement and gratitude:
“I’m super excited to join Niece Motorsports in 2026 and look forward to having a solid year learning all I can. I want to learn about these trucks and build chemistry with the entire crew. I can’t wait to get there and start working alongside everyone. I’m just so thankful to everyone here – along with Cody Efaw and the ownership group of Josh Morris and Greg Fowler – for welcoming me as one of their own. It’s been a great year in ’25, and I’m looking forward to more in ’26.”
The team’s leadership, including CEO Cody Efaw, has positioned this as an investment in the future, stressing the value of young drivers who display maturity and resilience. Their approach centers around creating opportunities for those willing to put in the hard work, aligning closely with how Lewis has carried himself throughout his early racing career.
Rodney Childers: From Mentor to Family-Like Supporter
An influential figure in Landen Lewis’s rise has been Rodney Childers, a renowned crew chief preparing for a move to JR Motorsports. Childers has mentored Lewis through his Late Model championship efforts and remains emotionally invested in the young racer’s progress toward NASCAR’s biggest stages. Childers marked the news of Lewis joining Niece Motorsports with a warm, familial message, highlighting their close connection:
“So proud of my new 3rd child 😬 @landenlewis99 and excited about watching him next year! 👊🏼”
Childers’s mentorship extends beyond mere tactical advice, instilling in Lewis an understanding of the dedication required for sustained success in professional racing. Their shared experiences, from pivotal track weekends in Florence to major races like Darlington, have shaped Lewis’s outlook and aspirations. These relationships exemplify the community-oriented culture that persists in NASCAR’s developmental tiers.
Lewis’s outlook reflects the values instilled by his supporters, emphasizing hard work, humility, and a desire to earn each opportunity. He has praised Niece Motorsports for their focus on providing genuine chances for drivers who prove themselves on and off the track, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to building the next generation of racing stars.
The Path Forward for Landen Lewis and Niece Motorsports
Landen Lewis’s arrival at Niece Motorsports is poised to impact both the team and NASCAR’s wider development landscape. With continued guidance from Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday Jr., and Rodney Childers, and a team culture celebrated for cultivating rising talent, Lewis appears positioned for growth both behind the wheel and as a personality within the sport. The collaborative ethos at Niece, combined with relationships across the NASCAR Cup Series and craftsman ranks, underscores the multi-layered support network helping him transition from grassroots racing to nationally televised competitions.
As Niece Motorsports invests in emerging drivers and expands its role as a training ground for future Cup Series contenders, Landen Lewis’s trajectory will be closely watched. If his track record and the endorsement from established icons prove prescient, NASCAR fans could be witnessing the ascent of its next big star—a prospect that continues to energize and unite the sport’s passionate community.
NEWS: We’re Locked in with Lewis 🔒😃
Fresh off a @CARSTour Championship, @landenlewis99 will join Niece Motorsports for a partial @NASCAR_Trucks schedule in 2026!#PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/CwEb8jN9Ch
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) October 23, 2025
So proud of my new 3rd child 😬@landenlewis99 and excited about watching him next year! 👊🏼 https://t.co/hXBbcHzky5
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) October 23, 2025
