Kaden Honeycutt’s journey in professional racing has reached a pivotal moment after TRICON Garage confirmed that he will drive the full 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season in the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. This Kaden Honeycutt NASCAR breakthrough places him solidly within Toyota’s Driver Development program, offering his first full-year opportunity with a major team following a turbulent season.
TRICON Secures Honeycutt for 2026 Season
The official announcement came on December 5, as TRICON Garage prepared its roster for the upcoming season. Honeycutt’s 2025 campaign was full of twists: he competed for three different organizations, managed 14 top-10 finishes, four top-5 results, and ended the year third overall in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings. His relentless performance impressed TRICON, leading to this milestone deal that now aligns him with one of the series’ most prominent driver development programs operated by Toyota.
Trent Rodriguez, Toyota’s Driver Development manager, recognized Honeycutt’s perseverance and resilience in the face of constant changes throughout the year.
“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 give him an opportunity to compete full-time in a TRICON Tundra next season,” Rodriguez said, via Team Release.
Joining Forces with Leading Team and Championship Staff
Being awarded the No. 11 Safelite Tundra seat for 2026 connects Honeycutt with Scott Zipadelli, the championship-winning crew chief who led Corey Heim to the title in 2025. TRICON Garage managed five full-time trucks during the past season, relying on a deep pool of emerging drivers and rotating its fifth entry amongst new talent. This strategic approach made the organization synonymous with nurturing future champions such as Kaden Honeycutt, Corey Heim, and others aiming for long-term success.
Honeycutt’s statement reflected the gravity and excitement of this new role:
“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.”
General manager Kevin Ray shared similar enthusiasm about Honeycutt’s growth and adaptability:
“We have no doubt he’s worthy of this opportunity and look forward to him continuing to put TRICON and our No. 11 team in a position to win races and contend for championships.”
Challenges and Triumphs in a Tumultuous 2025 Season
The new deal is a major turnaround for Honeycutt, who experienced considerable instability just a year prior. He was unexpectedly released from the Niece Motorsports No. 45 after disclosing his plans to switch manufacturers for 2026. By midseason, he landed at Halmar Friesen Racing in the No. 52 entry, making a surge to the Championship 4 and ultimately securing third place in the finale. His ability to adapt and race competitively through adversity was a key factor in both Toyota and TRICON’s decision to bring him on board full-time.
Focus Shifts from NASCAR to the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway
With the TRICON announcement behind him, Kaden Honeycutt now prepares for one of the premier events in short-track racing: the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola. Entering as the defending champion, Honeycutt returns to face a 48-car field crowded with championship-caliber drivers, including recent NASCAR competitors like Kyle Busch, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece, Ty Majeski, Jake Garcia, and Tristan McKee. The Derby stands as the most celebrated pavement Super Late Model contest of the year, offering a demanding 300-lap run and a $50,000 grand prize.
This high-stakes weekend features two key events. Honeycutt is slated to compete in the Snowflake 125 Pro Late Model race on Saturday, December 5, before stepping into his Super Late Model for Sunday’s headline race. His previous victory at this track secures his status as a frontrunner among both established NASCAR veterans and ambitious up-and-comers aiming for Derby glory.
What Honeycutt’s Move Means for the Future
The TRICON Garage deal cements Kaden Honeycutt’s place among rising stars in American motorsports, setting the stage for another intense and emotional season. With his Kaden Honeycutt NASCAR breakthrough, he now represents a core piece of Toyota’s future and a prime contender for race victories and potential Truck Series championships. As he continues to juggle high-profile events in both national NASCAR circuits and the grassroots short-track world, his performances will be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and potential new teams across the sport.
