Brenden Queen quickly established himself in racing by winning the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona, but many fans are curious about the origin of his distinctive nickname, “Butterbean.” The story dates back to his early years and has become a defining part of his identity both on and off the track.
Born in November 1997, Queen received the nickname from his grandfather, who remarked that as a baby, Queen bore a strong resemblance to the famed heavyweight boxer Eric “Butterbean” Esch. This early comparison stuck with him, growing into a family and school nickname before eventually becoming a brand embraced by the racing world.
During an episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Queen, a Virginia native, revealed he had considered ditching the nickname around 2016 but ultimately chose to keep it, turning it into an element of his public image. His loyal supporters have adopted the name too, calling themselves the Bean Nation.
“So the Butterbean thing came from when I was a baby. My granddad called my mom and was like, ‘turn the TV on’… It was Butterbean the boxer. And I look like him as a baby, like just had the same, like baby features, right? So like my whole life, my mom called me butter, butterbean, and half the time I didn’t even respond to my name, it’s just always was butter or something like that,” Queem told Harvick.
Currently, Brenden Queen competes full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Pinnacle Racing Group, where he has enjoyed remarkable success. To date, he boasts six wins and 14 top-five finishes, comfortably leading the standings ahead of contenders such as Lavar Scott and Lawless Alan.
At 27 years old, Queen is also gearing up for his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut, set for Friday at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing, a seat previously shared by drivers like Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell during the current season.
Brenden Queen Looks Ahead to NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut at Bristol
Queen expressed excitement about his upcoming debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, describing the opportunity as the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Taking the wheel of the #11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, he is eager to prove himself on one of NASCAR’s challenging short tracks.
Queen said (via NASCAR):
“It’s been a dream of mine to get a chance to drive in the Xfinity Series […] I can’t thank everyone at Kaulig Racing enough for making that dream become a reality. I’m fortunate to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to Bristol and give the team all I’ve got and have a solid day.”
Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice expressed enthusiasm for Queen’s advancement, highlighting the driver’s achievements and potential impact:
“We’re super excited to be a part of Brenden’s next steps in his racing career […] He has made a splash in the ARCA Menards Series and is an all-around great short-track racer, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Xfinity Series under the lights at Bristol.”
Despite being new to the Xfinity Series, Queen has an impressive background in short-track racing. He secured three consecutive track championships at Langley Speedway from 2020 to 2022 and captured the 2024 CARS Tour Late Model Stock Tour title, achievements that paved his way to the ARCA Menards Series.
Upcoming Food City 300 Sets the Stage for Playoffs Excitement
The Food City 300 at Bristol’s 0.533-mile oval is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET and will feature a competitive field of 39 drivers. Notable participants include Jeff Earnhardt, grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., adding historical significance to the event.
This 300-lap race also launches the Xfinity Series playoffs, with rookie Connor Zilisch holding a commanding 59-point lead above the playoff cutline. Queen’s performance in this crucial event could significantly influence his standing as he transitions into NASCAR’s highly competitive environment.
Brenden Queen’s story—from a childhood nickname inspired by a boxer to a rising star on the race track—exemplifies the blend of personal history and professional ambition that drives many athletes. As he embarks on his Xfinity Series career, his “Butterbean” moniker remains a memorable symbol of his roots and resilience, connecting him with loyal fans and fueling his passion for the sport.
