Leland Honeyman, originally announced as a full-time ARCA Menards Series competitor, will now participate in only select events in 2026, Nitro Motorsports confirmed on January 26. This change in direction positions Honeyman for a targeted effort and brings the Leland Honeyman ARCA part-time focus to the center of the team’s evolving strategy.
Honeyman Reassigned to No. 15, Team Adjusts Lineup
According to Nitro Motorsports, Honeyman will be behind the wheel of the No. 15 Toyota rather than the No. 20, which was originally set for him. The No. 15 will join Nitro’s stable of full-time entries, including cars numbered 20, 25, 55, and 70, showcasing the team’s commitment to broadening its presence within the ARCA Menards Series.
Collaboration Drives Strategic Change
The shift to a part-time schedule is the result of coordinated planning between Honeyman and Nitro Motorsports. In the team’s press release, Nitro emphasized its long-term vision for both the driver and organization:
“The focused schedule reflects a collaborative approach between Honeyman and Nitro Motorsports as the organization continues to build toward sustained success in 2026 and beyond,”
Nitro announced in the press release.
“Honeyman remains a key part of Nitro Motorsports’ driver lineup and long-term vision.”
NASCAR Roots and ARCA Experience
Honeyman’s move to a concentrated ARCA schedule comes after two seasons spent racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. His ARCA experience includes eight main series starts and recent participation in three events during 2025, yielding three top-five results and five top-ten finishes. Additionally, he concluded the 2022 ARCA Menards Series East season ranked third in points, underlining his consistency and competitiveness.
Intentional Approach to Opportunities
Honeyman explained the reasoning and passion behind the change:
“This is about being intentional with our opportunities and putting ourselves in the best position to win,”
Honeyman said.
“My goal has always been to compete full-time at the highest level, and this approach allows me to pour everything into each race I enter. I’m excited to make the most of every start in the No. 15 and continue proving what I’m capable of.”
Team Leadership Supports the Shift
Nick Tucker, owner of Nitro Motorsports, voiced his support for Honeyman’s new direction:
“Leland has shown tremendous work ethic, maturity, and commitment,”
team owner Nick Tucker added.
“This focused program allows us to align resources, sharpen our competitive efforts, and give Leland the platform to deliver strong results. He remains an important part of our future, and we believe this approach sets everyone up for success.”
Expanded Roster and Future Plans
As the No. 15 car becomes a full-time entry, Nitro Motorsports will introduce another full-time driver to replace Honeyman in the No. 20 machine. Jake Bollman recently drove the No. 20 at Daytona International Speedway during the ARCA preseason testing, hinting at broad competition for the upcoming year. Meanwhile, Isabella Robusto and Thomas Annunziata have secured full-time slots in the Nos. 55 and 70, respectively. A third full-time driver for the No. 20 will be named soon.
For the 2026 season, Nitro Motorsports plans a diverse field with Jake Finch in the No. 15, Gus Dean piloting the No. 25, and Wesley Slimp handling the No. 90, alongside the announced drivers. However, Honeyman will skip the season opener at Daytona, part of the new, focused schedule for the year.
Significance for Honeyman and Nitro Motorsports
The strategic adjustment for a Leland Honeyman ARCA part-time campaign is expected to allow Nitro Motorsports and its drivers to allocate resources more efficiently and maximize performance in each outing. This approach reinforces the team’s vision for long-term success, spotlights emerging talents like Thomas Annunziata and Isabella Robusto, and ensures Honeyman continues to be an integral part of the team’s ambitions moving forward.
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— Nitro Motorsports (@racewithnitro) January 26, 2026
