Tristan McKee, the first driver signed by Spire Motorsports’ development program, is scheduled to make two starts in the 2025 ARCA Menards Series in the No. 77 Gainbridge Chevrolet SS. McKee will make his ARCA national debut at Watkins Glen International in New York on August 8, shortly after his 15th birthday, the minimum age for ARCA competition. He will also race in the ARCA Menards Series West finale at Phoenix Raceway in November.
Spire Motorsports Confident in McKee’s Talent and Potential
Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony spoke highly of McKee’s capabilities and work ethic, emphasizing the team’s excitement about his progress.
“Tristan McKee is one of those rare young drivers who makes you lean in and pay attention,”
said Anthony.
“He’s shown talent, maturity, and the kind of work ethic that earns respect across our organization. We’re excited to get him some seat time in the ARCA Menards Series and let him grow at the right pace. Watkins Glen and Phoenix will be great tests, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in Spire colors.”
—Bill Anthony, Spire Motorsports President
McKee’s Success in the Trans Am Series and Road Course Strengths
Currently competing full time in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli CUBE 3 Architecture TA 2 Series, McKee leads the points standings by 82 points. His record includes one pole position, two wins, and six podiums. He has achieved top-three finishes in each of the last six races, with his first career victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in June. Recently at Watkins Glen, the Williamsburg, Virginia native set a track record to earn pole before leading every lap to claim his second win in the division.
McKee expressed enthusiasm about beginning his ARCA debut on a road course, citing his familiarity with Watkins Glen.
“I’m super excited for my debut to be on a road course,”
McKee said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of road course stuff through the Trans Am Series. We were just at Watkins Glen a couple weeks ago with the series and got the win, so I feel comfortable with the track. I had the opportunity to do some testing in the ARCA car, so it helped get me up to speed with the car, but I still have a lot of preparation to do over the next couple weeks in the simulator and my pre-race routine. I’m super thankful to Spire Motorsports and Gainbridge for making this happen and I’m really excited to get on track.”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
Early Career Achievements and Development
McKee’s racing career began in karting, where he recorded 44 wins and six class championships. He progressed through Bandolero racing, collecting multiple titles including the 2020 national championship, Charlotte Motor Speedway Summer Shootout championship, and Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Thursday Night Thunder Championship.
At only 12 years old, McKee became the youngest winner in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour history after capturing a 100-lap feature at Dillon Motor Speedway in South Carolina. He has continued to build on this success with victories at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Caraway Speedway, and Cordele Motor Speedway. Additionally, McKee won the limited late model feature at the 2023 Fall Brawl at Hickory Motor Speedway. His achievements also include capturing both Rookie of the Year and championship honors at Orange County Speedway as an 11-year-old.
Recent Racing Activity and Expansion into Multiple Disciplines
In 2025, alongside his full Trans Am schedule, McKee has made 13 starts in late model events. He finished second in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour season opener and secured a win at Cordele Motor Speedway. His efforts have produced four top-five finishes in seven CARS Late Model Stock Tour races, including a runner-up spot at North Wilkesboro, which was featured during <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR’s All-Star celebrations in May. McKee also debuted in the Super Late Model category at Evergreen Speedway during the Summer Showdown 200, earning second place against top Northwest Super Late Model competitors.
“The season has definitely gone really, really good so far,”
McKee commented.
“We have a couple Trans Am wins, lead the points and have a podium in each of the last six races. We haven’t been at all the CARS Tour races, but we have put together a lot of good runs. It has been one of the best years of my career, so far. It is all preparing me to drive different cars because I am doing something nearly every weekend. This is just another discipline for me to learn, grow and become the driver I want to be. I think we will be really strong.”
—Tristan McKee, Driver
Spire Motorsports’ ARCA Series Experience and Upcoming Events
Spire Motorsports has participated in the ARCA Menards Series three times this season with Corey Day as their driver. Day encountered a race-ending crash in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway but rebounded with top-10 finishes in the ARCA West Series at Phoenix Raceway (10th) and Sonoma Raceway (seventh).
The General Tire 100 at Watkins Glen, where McKee will make his national ARCA debut, is scheduled for Friday, August 8. The race marks the 13th of 20 contests on the 2025 ARCA Menards Series calendar and will air live on FS2 at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Coverage will also be available through the Motor Racing Network and ARCARacing.com.
Looking Ahead: The Promise of Tristan McKee’s ARCA Career
As the youngest driver poised to compete in the ARCA Menards Series events next year, Tristan McKee’s entry marks an exciting moment for Spire Motorsports and the sport. His well-rounded background across multiple racing disciplines and steady progression through late model ranks showcase a driver prepared to handle the challenges of ARCA competition. With backing from Gainbridge and comprehensive support including fitness training at the GM Technical Center under Josh Wise’s guidance, McKee is positioned to develop steadily in the national spotlight.
His performances at Watkins Glen and Phoenix will serve as key indicators of his growth trajectory as he enters the larger stages of stock car racing. Given his demonstrated talent, work ethic, and maturity, McKee’s presence in the ARCA Menards Series could signal the emergence of a promising new talent in American motorsports.
