Niece Motorsports has named Tyler Reif as their full-time driver in the NASCAR Truck Series for 2026, a significant move for both the young racer and the organization. Reif, coming off a strong performance in his Truck Series debut, will pilot the No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado starting at Daytona International Speedway, making “NASCAR Truck Series 2026” a focal point for fans and analysts as the season approaches.
Tyler Reif Steps Into Full-Time Truck Series Role
Tyler Reif, just 18 years old this year, has quickly built a reputation for delivering impressive results at a young age. Making his Truck Series debut with Niece Motorsports at the 2025 finale in Phoenix, Reif immediately stood out by earning a top-10 finish. He launched his racing career in ARCA at age 15, winning his debut event, and over subsequent seasons demonstrated consistent skill by placing second in points in both the 2023 and 2024 ARCA Menards Series East campaigns.
Reflecting on his new opportunity, Reif expressed appreciation and anticipation for his expanded schedule with the North Carolina-based racing team.
“I’m so thankful to everyone at Niece Motorsports for this opportunity to race more for them next year. Making my debut in Phoenix was a dream come true, and I feel like all of the guys and I connected pretty quickly.”
– Tyler Reif, Driver
“Now that we have a larger schedule planned ahead of us, I look forward to racing on all types of tracks that I’ve never been to before,” Reid added. “We all are already working to prepare for next year, and I can’t wait for our first race together.”
– Tyler Reif, Driver
Impressive Debut Leads to New Role
Reif’s strong performance in his first Truck Series event played a pivotal role in securing his full-time ride. At Phoenix Raceway, he clinched a ninth-place finish in a competitive field, impressing both fans and Niece Motorsports leadership.
“Tyler proved to us all that he was ready to run more races after his performance in Phoenix,” Efaw said in a statement. “I was impressed by his ability to learn as the race weekend went on, and his feedback to the team steered them in the right direction. We think he will continue to improve as we take him to several different tracks on the schedule.”
– Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports President and CEO
Following Reif’s debut, Corey Heim of Tricon Garage won the race by leading all 100 laps and finishing ahead of former series champion Ty Majeski. Other notable racers rounding out the top five included Kaden Honeycutt, Layne Riggs, and Rajah Caruth. The rest of the top ten consisted of Jake Garcia, Corey LaJoie, Chandler Smith, Tyler Reif, and Jack Wood, highlighting the depth of talent present in the season finale.
Niece Motorsports’ No. 42 Handed to Rising Star
The No. 42 entry for Niece Motorsports, previously driven by Matt Mills during the 2025 season, will now be under Tyler Reif’s control. Reif brings momentum from his ARCA Menards Series East journey, where he finished second in points and secured multiple top-five and top-10 finishes. His rapid climb through the ranks and on-track results have made him one of the most promising young drivers in the sport. The collaboration between Reif and the experienced Niece crew, located in Salisbury, North Carolina, sets the stage for exciting competition ahead.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation for the 2026 Season
Tyler Reif’s first official race as the full-time driver of the No. 42 truck is set for February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. The event promises to draw attention, especially with live coverage on Fox Sports 1 and exclusive updates via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As Reif embarks on this new chapter alongside experienced teammates and competitors such as Ty Majeski, Chandler Smith, and Corey LaJoie, the NASCAR Truck Series 2026 season is poised for heightened competition and strong storylines. Fans, as well as NASCAR All-Star race followers, will be watching closely to see how the rising talent fares against established names, with the promise of more exciting moments in the racing world.
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) November 19, 2025
