Ben Maier, the defending zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series champion, will drive for Niece Motorsports in next weekend’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) event at the St. Petersburg Street Circuit. Making his third NCTS appearance, Maier steps in with a history of adaptability across multiple disciplines of auto racing, as the team aims to make a strong statement at this new venue.
Maier Brings Road Course Skills to the St. Petersburg Circuit
Hailing from Annapolis, MD, Ben Maier has carved out a reputation for versatility, having competed in everything from go karts and micro sprint cars to the Stadium Super Truck Series. He has earned recognition on various road courses, sharpening his competitive abilities on tracks like Long Beach, Nashville, and Detroit. Maier’s previous NCTS starts were at Lime Rock Park—where he secured an 18th-place finish, his career best—and the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, building valuable experience at the national level.
Strong Support from Sponsors and Team
Maier will race the No. 4 Silverado, with support from DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, and BOE Marine. These organizations each serve as co-primary sponsors for his entry at St. Petersburg. Their partnership is crucial in helping Maier further his budding career within the NASCAR system.
“I’m super excited to join Niece Motorsports for my third Truck Series start at St. Pete,”
said Ben Maier, NCTS Driver.
“I think it’s going to be a fun race, and we should have a pretty fast truck there. We’ve been preparing a lot on the simulator, and I feel ready to go. Huge thanks to everyone at the team, Chevrolet, DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, and BOE Marine for making it happen.”
– Ben Maier, NCTS Driver
Proven Track Record Ahead of Debut at St. Pete
Maier previously claimed victory in a Trans-Am event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway, demonstrating his ability to adapt to challenging tracks. While he has not yet raced at St. Pete, his experience on street circuits across the country positions him as a strong contender. Eager to strengthen relationships with fellow Niece Motorsports drivers like Travis Pastrana and Cleetus McFarland, Maier hopes to build on momentum gained from recent races, including Daytona.
Team’s Confidence in Maier and Driver Lineup Expands
Maier’s inclusion marks the second time in recent memory that Niece Motorsports has added a CARS Tour champion to its roster. Landen Lewis, reigning Late Model Stock Series champion, will also make his season debut at St. Petersburg as Maier’s teammate. This move highlights Niece Motorsports’ dedication to cultivating talented up-and-coming drivers who have excelled in the CARS Tour development series.
“We are all looking forward to seeing what Ben can do in his first Truck Series race for our team at St. Pete,”
said Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports CEO.
“I think it says a lot about our company to have both of last year’s CARS Tour champions driving for us, given the caliber of drivers who compete there on a regular basis. Ben has been eager to learn since he showed up at our shop, and I think he will do a great job for us.”
– Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports CEO
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Set for Season’s Third Race
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to the St. Petersburg Street Circuit for the season’s third event, the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, on Saturday, February 28. Broadcast coverage will be available through FOX, NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM Radio, offering fans the chance to watch Maier and the Niece Motorsports team take on this new challenge. With a mix of young talent and sponsor support, the organization looks to leave a mark in St. Pete and continue its strong season trajectory.
