Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will make his long-awaited NASCAR Truck Series debut on Friday, February 13, at Daytona International Speedway, marking a new step in his versatile racing career. The veteran driver, best known for his performance in the Cup Series, has secured a part-time opportunity with Niece Motorsports for the start of the 2026 season, highlighting his continuing ambition as he transitions into a new series.
Stenhouse Gears Up for a New Challenge with Niece Motorsports
Stenhouse, who has never competed in a NASCAR Truck Series race, confirmed he will drive the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST at Daytona. The deal with Niece Motorsports extends to the following week at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta. The remainder of the season will see Landen Lewis and Ross Chastain in the No. 45 truck. The move was announced by the team and marks another milestone in Stenhouse’s storied career, as he seeks to add success in the Truck Series to his achievements at higher levels of NASCAR. Niece Motorsports welcomed him with excitement.
“Adding another chapter to his story.Welcome to Niece Motorsports, @StenhouseJr.#PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/fvPlRCyWZu”
— Niece Motorsports, Team
Driver’s Eagerness to Compete at Daytona and Atlanta
Reflecting on his debut, Stenhouse expressed enthusiasm for racing in the trucks, alongside an appreciation for the team’s competitive spirit. He explained that he had always wanted to race in the Truck Series, but until now, an ideal opportunity had not presented itself.
“I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together,”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
“When [Niece CEO] Cody [Efaw] called me, I definitely had a lot of interest to see what all they have been building here at Niece Motorsports, especially looking at their level of competition. With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the 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
Stenhouse’s strong track record at superspeedways positions him as a potential contender at Daytona, the site of some of his most memorable Cup Series victories. His history of success at such tracks is likely to influence his performance in the opening races.
Extensive Racing Experience Adds Depth to the Team
At 38 years old, Stenhouse brings nearly 600 starts from the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with 12 total wins and two O’Reilly Auto Parts championships. His four Cup Series wins all came on superspeedways, an asset Niece Motorsports hopes will translate in their favor during the opening stretch of the Truck Series season.
Niece Motorsports leadership voiced their anticipation of working with Stenhouse, referencing his longstanding involvement in NASCAR and his particular skills at high-speed circuits.
“We are all very excited to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to our team for his first time racing in the Truck Series,”
— Cody Efaw, Niece CEO
“I’ve known Ricky for several years now dating back to our time at Roush [now RFK Racing], 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, Niece CEO
Looking Ahead to the Remainder of the Season
This new venture for Stenhouse comes as he enters his 14th Cup Series season—his seventh with the No. 47 Chevrolet. While he experienced a difficult 2025 season, finishing 30th in the standings, both he and Hyak Motorsports expect a stronger year in 2026. With races at Daytona and Atlanta ahead in the NASCAR Truck Series, Stenhouse has an opportunity to revitalize his season and establish a new legacy in the competitive Truck ranks.
Eyes will be on Stenhouse as he takes on his first NASCAR Truck Series race, bringing extensive superspeedway experience and a renewed drive to succeed at Daytona and beyond.
Adding another chapter to his story.
Welcome to Niece Motorsports, @StenhouseJr.#PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/fvPlRCyWZu
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) January 14, 2026
