Niece Motorsports has announced a pivotal addition to their roster, signing Parker Eatmon for a partial NASCAR Truck Series schedule in 2026. The move underscores a growing trend of driver signings from the CARS Tour pipeline, bolstering the team’s youthful lineup as they intensify their commitment to grass-roots racing talent.
Parker Eatmon Joins Niece for 2026 Slate
The steady stream of NASCAR Truck Series driver signings from the CARS Tour continues, with Niece Motorsports selecting Parker Eatmon, a teenage standout with strong performances in the development series run by Dale Earnhardt Jr. After observing the talents of Kaden Honeycutt, who departed earlier in the year following his progression from the CARS Tour, Niece Motorsports decided to double down on this pathway for 2026.
Eatmon’s recent finishes in the final two CARS Tour races—placing fourth at Tri-County and third at North Wilkesboro—cemented his reputation and attracted the attention of Truck Series teams eager for fresh talent. As the NASCAR world’s focus drifts towards an ongoing antitrust trial, Niece’s announcement sets a different kind of headline, emphasizing the organization’s long-term vision with a robust, up-and-coming driver lineup.
“NEWS: We’re excited with Eatmon!@Parker_Eatmon joins Niece Motorsports for a partial schedule in the No. 42 Chevy Silverado in 2026!#PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/H782qqEzTX”
—Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport)
Leadership Praises CARS Tour as Key Development Path
Niece Motorsports executives remain vocal about their belief in the CARS Tour as one of the most effective routes to professional stock car racing. The team’s president and CEO, Cody Efaw, emphasized the importance of identifying prospective NASCAR drivers among grassroots competitors and spotlighted Eatmon’s compelling CARS Tour record as pivotal in their decision.
“We have a strong driver lineup for next year, and I think Parker Eatmon is one to keep an eye on,”
said Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports President and CEO, in a press release.
“We’ve been paying close attention to the talent coming out of the CARS Tour because we believe that it’s one of the strongest development series out there. Parker has contended for wins there, which makes him a great candidate for a Truck Series seat. We’re looking forward to seeing what he is capable of.”
A Bold Strategy: Investing in Youthful Promise
By the time the 2026 season begins, the group of young NASCAR Truck Series drivers at Niece Motorsports—Conner Jones, Parker Eatmon, Tyler Reif, and Landen Lewis—will average just 18.75 years of age. Both Jones and Lewis are set to turn 20 in February, with Eatmon following in June, making this lineup one of the youngest on the grid. This strategic emphasis on youth represents both an opportunity and a calculated risk, as the team places its trust in rising prospects to elevate its performance.
The roster’s experience is balanced by the inclusion of Connor Hall, who—at 28—brings a valuable level of maturity and competitive results, such as multiple runner-up finishes in the Late Model Stock championship over recent years. Hall, who raced with JR Motorsports in 2025 and drove Niece’s No. 4 entry at the South Carolina 400 in Florence, provides guidance that complements the team’s leadership and developmental focus.
CARS Tour Emerges as NASCAR Talent Source
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ownership has propelled the CARS Tour’s status as a springboard into national series, with Niece Motorsports leading efforts to recruit top contenders from this circuit. The organization’s willingness to invest in graduates of the CARS Tour highlights its vision for sustaining NASCAR’s competitive integrity and fan interest.
According to team insiders, establishing a clear pipeline of talent is crucial for the sport’s growth and longevity. The gamble on such a youthful group is drawing curiosity throughout the industry, generating buzz about whether their talent-driven strategy will translate into performance when the season begins.
Niece Motorsports’ embrace of this approach, amid ongoing industry shifts and offseason developments, remains a key storyline as the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series looms. The team’s actions speak to broader dynamics in motorsports, where the right mix of youth, talent, and leadership could redefine the landscape for years to come.
NEWS: We’re excited with Eatmon!@Parker_Eatmon joins Niece Motorsports for a partial schedule in the No. 42 Chevy Silverado in 2026!#PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/H782qqEzTX
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) December 3, 2025
