Cole Butcher was incorrectly reported to have secured a full-time drive with TRICON Garage for the 2026 Truck Series, but the team swiftly issued a denial of this rumor while Butcher was preparing for his ninth Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. TRICON Garage clarified through NASCAR journalist Jacob Seelman that there are no current plans for Butcher to join their roster, addressing the false speculation and ensuring accurate information about their driver lineup.
Confusion Surrounds Driver Announcement Ahead of Snowball Derby
This clarification became necessary after a broadcast mix-up during rain delay coverage at the 2025 Snowball Derby, where host Jim Tretow mistakenly identified Butcher as TRICON Garage’s future driver. Butcher, fresh off a successful season in the ASA STARS National Tour where he claimed four out of twelve races—including a notable victory at the Governor’s Cup LX—was suddenly thrust into the spotlight for unconfirmed reasons.
Butcher, a champion on the Pro Stock Tour from Porters Lake, Nova Scotia, had only made two appearances in the Truck Series this season, both times finishing 23rd with Halmar Freisen Racing. Despite his growing reputation in the Canadian short track circuit, he had not been formally linked to any upcoming opportunities with TRICON Garage.
Official Response from TRICON Garage via NASCAR Reporter
To resolve the confusion, NASCAR reporter Jacob Seelman posted the following update:
“UPDATE: Just connected to a @TRICONGarage spokesperson who confirmed that @colebutcher1 does NOT have any planned races for the team in Trucks. Seems to be confusion on Jim Tretow’s part between Butcher and the recent @KadenWHoneycutt announcement from a couple days ago.”
This message confirmed that Kaden Honeycutt, not Butcher, was recently announced as a future TRICON Garage driver. Honeycutt’s own trajectory took a turn when Niece Motorsports ended their partnership upon learning of his 2026 commitment with TRICON. According to TRICON Garage’s General Manager, the team initially wished to extend Honeycutt’s contract but ultimately made a difficult decision to safeguard Chevrolet’s interests after the news surfaced.
Cole Butcher’s Focus Stays on the 2025 Snowball Derby
Despite the rumors, Butcher’s immediate attention remains on his performance at the Snowball Derby, a prestigious crown jewel event where he has notched four top-five finishes but is still searching for his first victory. The event holds significant meaning for the 29-year-old driver and his family, who have collectively invested years in racing. Reflecting on what a win would mean, Butcher said:
“A win would mean the world, not just for myself, but for my team and my family. My dad, my mom and my brother have been doing this for a long time together, and I’m fortunate enough to bring my wife and my child into the atmosphere I was brought up in. This is a big group, and it would be a big party afterwards.”
Butcher’s preparations for the event faced a setback after his primary car’s engine failed during testing. He recounted:
“The other day we tested; we blew up a motor in our primary car. We were able to get it swapped, but then we actually decided to race our backup car, which we raced at [the All American 400].”
Even with this adversity, Butcher secured the 13th qualifying spot for Sunday’s event. Key competitors, including Preston Peltier and 2024 Truck Series champion Ty Majeski, filled the front row. Inclement weather postponed the start, rescheduling the race for 1 PM on Monday, December 8 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola.
The Significance of Accurate Reporting and What Lies Ahead
The swift correction to Butcher’s alleged TRICON Garage deal underscores the importance of reliable communication in motorsport news, especially at high-profile events like the Snowball Derby. With names like Cole Butcher, Kaden Honeycutt, and Ty Majeski drawing attention, the racing community remains vigilant for legitimate updates. As Butcher competes for his first Snowball Derby win, the focus stays on his achievements on the track, leaving the future of TRICON Garage’s lineup open for verified announcements as the 2026 Truck Series approaches.
