In the latest Kyle Busch NASCAR spotter news, Derek Kneeland, longtime spotter for Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team in the NASCAR Cup Series, is set to fulfill a long-held ambition as he makes his ARCA Menards Series East driving debut at Hickory Motor Speedway in Newton, North Carolina, on Saturday, March 28. Stepping out from his usual role alongside Austin Hill and within the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Kneeland now prepares to take the wheel, marking a unique transition from the spotter’s perch to the driver’s seat.
Derek Kneeland’s Racing Background and Upcoming Debut
Kneeland, age 36, is taking on the challenge by driving the No. 28 car for Pinnacle Racing Group—a team with which he has already found success as a spotter by helping secure 12 of their 19 ARCA victories. Over the years, he’s worked closely with accomplished prospects such as Connor Mosack, Connor Zilisch, and Brenden Queen, cementing his reputation as a trusted presence on the racing radio.
“𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙩 at @hickoryspeedway on March 28th!This guy has been the spotter for 12 of our 19 @ARCA_Racing wins, now it’s his turn. Welcome to the #28 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩, @SpotterDerek! pic.twitter.com/VD8Zh7BWsJ”
— Pinnacle Racing Group (@RacePRG)
Although Kneeland’s core focus has been on his spotter and part-time Pro Late Model racing duties, this ARCA East appearance will be his debut at the national level. After his one-off appearance at Hickory, the No. 28 ride will be piloted by Carson Brown for the remainder of the 2026 season, maintaining Pinnacle Racing Group’s competitive momentum.
Kneeland’s Excitement and Perspective on the Opportunity
For Kneeland, this opportunity marks both a personal milestone and a culmination of years supporting other drivers on their path to racing success. He expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm as he announced the news to his followers, offering insight into how much this moment means to him.
“BIG announcement! A childhood dream to drive on the national level,”
— Derek Kneeland, X
“As a driver Im not deserving of this compared to so many talented drivers, but the team appreciates me and the job I do for them and I will give 110% effort into this once in a lifetime opportunity!!”
— Derek Kneeland, X
Kneeland’s ongoing role as spotter for both Kyle Busch and Austin Hill demands intense focus every weekend, making the chance to suit up and actually compete a rare honor. In his own words, he is intent on taking in every moment as he makes this childhood vision a reality.
“I just couldn’t be more excited and fortunate for this opportunity because it’s once in a lifetime”
— Derek Kneeland to Matt Weaver of Motorsport
Kneeland also highlighted the challenges and resources that go into any racing effort, making clear his appreciation for what the team and opportunity represent.
“It’s like, ‘No, this costs a lot of money and tremendous personnel to get to the track and do all of these things.’ I’m just going to put my best foot forward and I’m going to soak it all in because this is probably going to be my one and done shot. I want to capture all the memories and get everything I can out of it.”
— Derek Kneeland to Matt Weaver of Motorsport
Looking Ahead as Kneeland Steps Into the Driver’s Seat
This appearance at Hickory Motor Speedway symbolizes a rare reversal of roles and a unique chapter for both Kneeland and the Pinnacle Racing Group. After years of guiding drivers like Connor Mosack and Connor Zilisch from behind the scenes, Kneeland now seizes the spotlight, if only for a single event in the ARCA Menards Series East calendar. For the competitive racing world, Kneeland’s drive will be closely watched, both as a celebration of a spotter’s journey and as an inspiring example of opportunity in motorsports.
𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙩 at @hickoryspeedway on March 28th!
This guy has been the spotter for 12 of our 19 @ARCA_Racing wins, now it’s his turn. Welcome to the #28 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧’𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩, @SpotterDerek! pic.twitter.com/VD8Zh7BWsJ
— Pinnacle Racing Group (@RacePRG) March 3, 2026
BIG announcement! A childhood dream to drive on the national level. As a driver Im not deserving of this compared to so many talented drivers, but the team appreciates me and the job I do for them and I will give 110% effort into this once in a lifetime opportunity!! https://t.co/4kjYjG6KRh
— Derek Kneeland (@SpotterDerek) March 3, 2026
