Kaden Honeycutt is set to take over the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota in the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season, marking a pivotal career move as he follows in the footsteps of Corey Heim—who led the team to championship victory last year. The news underscores the growing attention around the Kaden Honeycutt TRICON 2026 partnership, and places Honeycutt in the spotlight with high expectations from both team and fans.
Expectations Set by Corey Heim’s Legendary Season
Corey Heim’s recent run with TRICON Garage Toyota was nothing short of remarkable. In the 2025 season, Heim not only won four times as many races as his closest rival, but also more than doubled the number of top-five finishes compared to his competition. With three times as many laps in front and an average finish over four places higher than any other full-time contender, Heim capped off his dominant run by climbing from tenth to first place in an overtime dash to clinch the championship. His 12 victories set a new record for a single season in the Truck Series. While Heim’s departure from the series after three full-time seasons leaves open questions—his next move is yet to be revealed—TRICON has now officially chosen Honeycutt as his successor.
The Path that Led Honeycutt to TRICON
Kaden Honeycutt’s journey over the previous year showcases both resilience and rising talent among drivers in the truck series. Beginning 2025 with Niece Motorsports, Honeycutt switched to Halmar-Friesen Racing for the playoff stretch, steering his way into the Championship 4 without a race victory. He concluded the year ranked third in the overall standings. According to sources, Honeycutt’s midseason exit from Niece came after news surfaced of his plans to sign with a rival brand—now confirmed as TRICON. This move also sees Honeycutt entering the prestigious Toyota Driver Development program, opening new horizons for his professional growth within the industry.
Toyota and TRICON Express Confidence in Honeycutt
The announcement was welcomed by both Toyota and the TRICON organization, reflecting excitement about Honeycutt’s future with the team.
“We are pleased to officially welcome Kaden into the Team Toyota family alongside our partners at TRICON Garage,”
said Trent Rodriguez, manager, Driver Development, TRD U.S.A. Rodriguez further praised Honeycutt’s composure, stating,
“Kaden showed incredible poise overcoming many challenges throughout the 2025 season and showcased his talent by racing his way into the Championship 4. We are confident in his abilities behind the wheel and are thrilled to be able to give him an opportunity to compete full-time in a TRICON Tundra next season.”
A Grassroots Standout Ready for the Truck Series Spotlight
Before joining TRICON, Honeycutt established himself in grassroots racing circuits, securing a CARS Tour Pro Late Model championship and capturing victory in the 2024 Snowball Derby, a signature event with a highly competitive field. His rise through the ranks showcased both determination and technical finesse, supporting TRICON’s decision to entrust him with the No. 11 Safelite Tundra for 2026. Addressing the opportunity, Honeycutt shared,
“I’ve waited my entire career for an opportunity like this. I can’t thank Toyota and TRICON enough for trusting me to carry the torch for the No. 11 Safelite Tundra and continue its incredible run of success,”
said Honeycutt.
“I’m truly honored and fired up to chase a championship with this team in 2026.”
Honeycutt’s collaboration with an experienced crew chief is expected to provide further advantages as he steps into this new phase.
The Road Ahead for Honeycutt and TRICON
The upcoming partnership between Kaden Honeycutt and TRICON Garage, alongside Toyota, is seen as a significant step in the NASCAR Truck Series and a pivotal moment for the team after Heim’s historic reign. With support from the Toyota Driver Development program, TRICON and its partners are optimistic that Honeycutt’s addition can continue the team’s winning tradition and meet the lofty expectations left by his predecessor. Many in racing circles will be watching closely as Honeycutt, TRICON, and Toyota aim for another championship season in 2026.
