Lavar Scott will make a highly anticipated debut as a Lavar Scott NASCAR 2026 rookie, stepping up to a full-time seat in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Alpha Prime, piloting the No. 45 Chevrolet in 2026. His journey, shaped by deep-rooted family ties to racing and an untraditional rise through the sport’s ranks, marks him as one of the year’s most talked-about new faces at the national level.
At just 21 years old, Scott has built his career steadily, progressing from grassroots racing to achieving standout results in ARCA and gaining valuable Xfinity Series experience with Alpha Prime. The announcement places him among a small group of Black drivers to compete in NASCAR’s top national events in recent years, alongside noted names like Bubba Wallace, Rajah Caruth, and Jesse Iwuji. Below are five essential facts about Scott as he prepares for his rookie campaign.
A Racing Heritage Rooted in New Jersey
Lavar Scott’s upbringing revolved around his family’s longstanding business, Scott’s Auto, located in Carneys Point, New Jersey, just across the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Since 1978, the shop has been at the center of family life, serving not only as an auto repair business but as a hub for weekend racing projects. Scott’s mother competed in drag racing, and his brother found his calling with microsprint cars, embedding motorsport into everyday life for the Scotts. This environment inspired Lavar’s early leap into dirt quarter midget competitions, laying the groundwork for his journey toward stock car racing. Scott’s Auto remains a pivotal fixture both for the family and the local racing community.
ARCA Standout and 2024 Rookie of the Year
Scott’s climb gathered momentum during his first complete season in the ARCA Menards Series, where he was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year and finished as runner-up in the final points. Repeating his strong performance the following year, he consistently challenged the frontrunners and closed out the season just behind champion Brenden Queen. With 11 finishes inside the top five out of 20 races, Scott demonstrated perseverance even when facing mechanical troubles. His continued improvement and competitive spirit in ARCA have established him as a driver to watch as he graduates into the national NASCAR ranks.
Developed Through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program
Lavar Scott is a prime example of the success of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity initiative, which aims to nurture and support promising talent from various backgrounds. Scott entered the program while still a teenager, focusing on pavement racing with Rev Racing and benefitting from the insight of those who had blazed the trail before him. He built a close mentor relationship with Rajah Caruth, another young star and graduate of the program. Scott also often cites Bubba Wallace’s journey as a guiding influence, crediting the network and guidance he received with keeping him focused through challenging periods early in his career. That support structure has been essential in propelling him to the national spotlight.
Versatility Defines His Route Up the Ranks
Few drivers have climbed as methodically as Scott, whose progression included stints in Legends cars, Late Models, ARCA East, ARCA National, and two appearances in the Xfinity Series with Alpha Prime. His background, however, is even broader than those of many of his peers—emulating the developmental paths of recent standouts like Rajah Caruth and Nick Sanchez. Starting with racing dirt, microsprints, and even cars associated with drag racing, Scott adapted to the demands of each level, gradually honing the skills required for stock car competition. This varied foundation has made him a particularly adaptable and resourceful driver, capable of meeting the different challenges each series presents.
Home Track Debut at Dover Motor Speedway
Lavar Scott’s first race in a NASCAR national series took place at Dover Motor Speedway, a track near his hometown, with his family’s shop just minutes away in Carneys Point. The proximity turned his debut into more than just another start; for Scott and his supporters, it was a homecoming moment. While his result at Dover was outside the top 28, the true significance lay in representing his roots and family legacy on such a stage. He followed up with a second opportunity at Gateway, where he improved to 19th, further demonstrating why Alpha Prime sees him as ready for a full-time campaign at the sport’s highest level.
Scott’s advancement not only highlights his personal achievements but also reinforces the increasing diversity and evolving development paths within modern American stock car racing. As he joins the national NASCAR scene, Lavar Scott stands at the intersection of tradition and change, carrying the hopes of family, mentors, and a broader movement. The 2026 season will reveal just how far his foundation and determination will take him against the best in the sport.
Lavar Scott will compete full-time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 45 Chevy and becoming the newest rookie so far of the 2026 season.
Via. Alpha Prime Racing pic.twitter.com/g1JCwEm1Cs
— Sportskeeda NASCAR (@NASCARatSK) December 8, 2025
