The NASCAR Truck Series 2026 season is launching with a lineup brimming with elite racing talent, as motorsports legend Travis Pastrana joins three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the anticipated opener in Daytona. On February 13, the Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway will showcase these big names and mark major milestones for several drivers.
Pastrana Returns to Daytona in the No. 42 for Niece Motorsports
After a hiatus from the series, Travis Pastrana is set to take the wheel of the No. 42 BRUNT Workwear Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports, marking his first NASCAR Truck Series appearance since 2023. Pastrana’s return to Daytona is highly anticipated, given his reputation for taking risks and entertaining fans across American motorsport disciplines.
“I’m excited to get back on the track in Daytona with BRUNT Workwear and Niece Motorsports,”
Pastrana said.
“This is my first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race since 2023, so it will be fun to get behind the wheel again and see what we can do.”
– Travis Pastrana, Driver
The Maryland native, aged 42, boasts a diverse resume, including eleven X Games gold medals, four Rally America championships, and a national motocross title. His approach extends beyond traditional racing, famously including a skydiving jump without a parachute, and his daring performances have made him a standout figure wherever he competes.
A Look Back at Pastrana’s Racing Adventures
Pastrana’s ventures in NASCAR are as fearless as his extreme sports pursuits. He completed a full O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season in 2013, earning a pole position at Talladega and finishing ninth at Richmond. Overall, Pastrana has participated in forty-two starts in that series, six in the Truck Series, and a single, memorable Cup Series run.
His most recent Cup Series outing was at the 2023 Daytona 500, racing for 23XI Racing in the No. 67 car. Despite a last-lap crash, Pastrana managed an impressive eleventh-place finish. That same year, his best Truck Series finish came at Daytona with Niece Motorsports, landing in thirteenth place. The upcoming race at Daytona will mark his fiftieth NASCAR career start, highlighting his continued impact in the sport.
Stenhouse Jr. and Stewart Join the High-Profile Lineup
Niece Motorsports is doubling down on its star power, not only fielding Pastrana but also giving Ricky Stenhouse Jr. his NASCAR Truck Series debut. Stenhouse Jr., a seasoned Hyak Motorsports driver and two-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will pilot the No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet in Daytona. Despite an extensive career in national NASCAR series since 2009, he has yet to compete in a Truck race until now.
“I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together,”
Stenhouse said.
“With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the 500 was awesome, and I’d love to win a Truck Series race there, too.”
– Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
Stenhouse is no stranger to superspeedways, having won the 2023 Daytona 500. He is set to compete in the first two truck events of the season for Niece Motorsports at Daytona and EchoPark Speedway, aiming to translate his drafting prowess to the Truck Series arena.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces in the Garage
Pastrana’s return comes with the added benefit of reuniting with trusted colleagues. Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports, previously worked with Pastrana during their stint at Roush Racing in 2013, which fosters a sense of continuity and familiarity in his latest comeback.
“Travis and I first worked together at Roush back in 2013, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see that relationship continue,”
Efaw said. – Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports CEO
Tony Stewart’s Racing Comeback Adds to the Buzz
Rounding out the field, Tony Stewart—NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion—is set for his first national NASCAR series appearance in nearly ten years. Stewart’s participation increases anticipation for the Fresh from Florida 250, as his experience and racecraft are expected to challenge both veterans and newcomers alike.
An Action-Packed Opener Awaits at the Fresh from Florida 250
With the combined presence of Pastrana, Stewart, and Stenhouse Jr., the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season is poised to deliver a thrilling opener in Daytona. Each driver brings their own story and expertise to the event, promising fans a spectacle filled with unpredictable moments. The race on February 13 stands as more than just a season debut—it is a convergence of champions, daredevils, and rising contenders, setting the tone for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. All eyes will be on Daytona as the NASCAR Truck Series 2026 roars into action, fueled by returning legends and new dreams.
