Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is slated to launch his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career in 2026, driving the No. 45 for Niece Motorsports, in what marks a significant new chapter for the veteran racer. Stenhouse, eager for his Truck Series debut, will compete on two of the circuit’s most high-profile tracks, putting a spotlight on his return to new competition and generating anticipation among fans and industry insiders for his upcoming season.
Stenhouse Joins Niece Motorsports for First Truck Races
Niece Motorsports announced on January 14 that Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will make his first-ever starts in their No. 45 truck beginning in 2026. The team, which has been increasing its competitiveness in recent seasons, will see Stenhouse pilot the truck at Daytona International Speedway for his first event, followed by a run at EchoPark Speedway. JF Electric has been confirmed as the sponsor supporting this effort.
Stenhouse will be competing alongside recognized drivers Landen Lewis and Ross Chastain in the No. 45 truck lineup, further elevating the team’s profile for the year. His entry brings experienced racing insight and championship ambitions to the team, known for nurturing talent and targeting bold goals within the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Stenhouse Shares His Excitement and Ambitions
Stenhouse expressed his longstanding desire to compete in a NASCAR truck, sharing,
Image of: Ricky Stenhouse Jr
“I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together,”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver. His enthusiasm was further evident as he connected his upcoming Daytona run with previous career highlights and his competitive drive to excel:
“With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the [Daytona] 500 was awesome, and I’d love to win a Truck Series race there, too. I’ve always wanted to race a truck, but I wanted it to be competitive — and this checks all of those boxes.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver.
Team Perspectives and Expectations for 2026
The addition of Stenhouse has prompted optimism within Niece Motorsports. Team CEO Cody Efaw commented on the new partnership:
“We are all very excited to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to our team for his first time racing in the Truck Series,”
Cody Efaw, CEO, Niece Motorsports. Efaw, who has a history with Stenhouse from their shared time at Roush, emphasized Stenhouse’s talent for superspeedway racing and his chances for a strong showing in high-profile races:
“I’ve known Ricky for several years now dating back to our time at Roush, and he’s always been a natural on super speedways. I believe he will have a true shot at contending for the win at both Daytona and Atlanta.”
Cody Efaw, CEO, Niece Motorsports.
Background and Recent Performance
While Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has accumulated hundreds of starts in NASCAR’s national series dating back to 2009, 2026 represents his inaugural effort in the Truck Series. Over the past decade, his focus was primarily in the Cup Series, including strong performances for Hyak Motorsports in 2025, where he scored a top-five finish and made three top-10 appearances. Outside of the Cup, Stenhouse has competed in only two other events over the last ten years, underscoring how notable his return to a developmental series is for his career trajectory.
What Stenhouse’s Truck Series Debut Means for the Sport
Stenhouse’s upcoming move into the Truck Series marks a milestone for both the driver and Niece Motorsports, highlighting the draw and competitive depth of this NASCAR division. With high-profile tracks like Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway on his schedule and support from JF Electric, the team and fans alike are hopeful for strong results out of the gate. As Stenhouse brings his superspeedway expertise and recognizable presence, his Truck Series debut is likely to bring fresh attention and energy to the championship hunt in 2026.
