Thomas Annunziata has signed with Nitro Motorsports for a full-time drive in the ARCA Menards Series, preparing to compete for the entire 2026 season. The New Jersey native will be making his first full-time attempt in stock car racing, building on several strong performances across NASCAR’s development series and establishing himself as a key figure to watch in the championship race.
Rising Career Foundations and Recent Progress in NASCAR Circuits
Annunziata’s progression in motorsports has been steady, with part-time appearances for Cope Family Racing in the Xfinity Series and notable results, including a 17th-place finish at the Chicago Street Course. In addition to his ventures in NASCAR, he brings valuable experience from the Trans AM Series and previous ARCA events, demonstrating versatility across different styles and tracks.
Proven Success in ARCA and Social Media Impact
Already a winner at the ARCA level, Annunziata claimed victory at Lime Rock Park racing with Nitro Motorsports earlier this year. He continued his momentum by finishing fifth at Bristol, securing top-five positions in all five of his ARCA starts spanning the national, East, and West divisions throughout 2025. Off the track, Annunziata has also grown a substantial following on social platforms, further cementing his presence in the motorsports community.
Road Course Strengths and Ongoing Oval Learning
Annunziata’s prowess on road courses remains a highlight, where he consistently delivers standout performances. While ovals present more of a challenge, he managed to secure two 20th-place finishes in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Nashville and Gateway. Other oval outings have been hindered by four DNFs, yet his ongoing adaptation and flashes of promise show a driver steadily developing a well-rounded skill set.
“SIGNED‼️Please welcome Thomas Annunziata to Nitro Motorsports for the ARCA Menards Series full-time in 2026! “— Nitro Motorsports (@racewithnitro) December 22, 2025
An Experienced Addition to a Young Nitro Motorsports Team
Bringing Annunziata on board for a full-time campaign benefits both the driver’s progression and Nitro Motorsports’ overall lineup. At 20 years old, he not only adds competitive depth but also contributes valuable racing experience to a team comprised of young talents aiming to leave their mark in 2026.
Annunziata as a Championship Front-Runner for 2026
Looking ahead to the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season, Annunziata emerges as a leading contender for the championship. Out of nine ARCA races since joining the platform, his worst results have been a 12th-place at Talladega and a seventh at Watkins Glen, underlining remarkable consistency and competitiveness against high-caliber opponents such as William Sawalich, Brent Crews, and Connor Mosack—drivers who have since advanced up the NASCAR ladder.
The ARCA Menards Series’ road course events have grown more competitive, especially since Connor Zilisch’s departure, but Annunziata’s performances have placed him alongside the discipline’s strongest racers. With a full schedule ahead, a strong season featuring victories on both road courses and ovals could boost Annunziata’s profile, potentially attracting opportunities with Truck or O’Reilly Series teams for subsequent years.
What Annunziata’s Full-Time Move Means for the Series
The addition of Thomas Annunziata for a complete ARCA Menards Series season is poised to intensify the competition in 2026. His consistent performances and adaptability, combined with Nitro Motorsports’ commitment to nurturing young talent, signal an exciting chapter for both Annunziata and the team. As he continues refining his craft on ovals and leverages his road course strengths, his path could lead toward even higher tiers within NASCAR, making the upcoming season pivotal for his career trajectory in stock car racing.
SIGNED‼️
Please welcome Thomas Annunziata to Nitro Motorsports for the ARCA Menards Series full-time in 2026! "
🔗 to the full story ➡️: https://t.co/SShnroHvZU#Nitro / #NitroMotorsports / #RaceNitro / #TeamToyota / @tannunziata15 / @ARCA_Racing / @NASCARRegional pic.twitter.com/OnCKfI6JLV
— Nitro Motorsports (@racewithnitro) December 22, 2025
