Brenden Queen made a notable impression when he debuted in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 12, driving the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing. The 27-year-old champion of the 2024 CARS Tour discussed how the opportunity arose and highlighted the role that Flo Racing and FS1 played in promoting his brand to a wider audience, emphasizing the importance of timing in his career progression.
Recap of Brenden Queen’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut
Starting from 28th position in the playoff-opening 300-lap race at Bristol, Queen advanced to finish 20th. The event was ultimately won by Aric Almirola. Known by the nickname Butterbean, Queen’s prior experience includes a Truck Series start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he finished 16th, and a personal best fourth-place finish at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the Truck Series last year. His Bristol effort represented a significant step as he competes for a larger role in NASCAR’s national ranks.
Brenden Queen Discusses How Exposure Helped Him
Reflecting on his journey, Queen expressed gratitude to Flo Racing and FS1 for broadcasting the CARS Tour and ARCA Series, which enabled him to showcase his personality beyond just racing skills.
“I think the door is still more open than I thought it would have been five years ago. Flo Racing (which televises the CARS Tour) did a lot to help me showcase my brand and me as a person. Doing the ARCA Series and being on FS1, I think, just showed the world who I was as a person, not just a race car driver,”
he said.
“The timing has to work for everybody in this sport, and honestly, for me, it just seemed like it just opened up right at the right time,” Brenden Queen, NASCAR driver
These comments underscore how crucial opportunity and exposure have been in Queen’s rise within American stock car racing.
Current Success and Dominance in the ARCA Menards Series
Queen is currently leading the ARCA Menards Series with an impressive record of six victories and 14 top-5 finishes in 17 races this season. His recent triumph at Dover Motor Speedway was particularly remarkable, as he became only the second driver in the track’s history to lead every lap of an ARCA race. This performance further solidifies his status as one of the sport’s rising stars and demonstrates his strong command of short track racing.
Potential Future in the Truck Series with Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing has announced plans to enter the Truck Series in 2026 with RAM as their original equipment manufacturer, expanding their presence across NASCAR’s national divisions. While the team has not officially revealed its driver lineup, speculation strongly suggests that Daniel Dye and Brenden Queen are leading candidates for seats. When asked about this possibility, Queen responded, “It’s definitely in my consideration.”
“The only series I hadn’t made a debut in is the Cup Series, so that’s pretty cool to know that I’ve made it that far if nothing else ever happen,” Brenden Queen, NASCAR driver
Queen’s optimistic outlook reflects his determination to reach the top level of stock car racing, with the Cup Series still remaining as the final step in his progression.
Team Support and Management Perspectives on Brenden Queen’s Growth
Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing, recently praised Queen’s performance and potential after stepping into the No. 11 car at Bristol in place of Josh Williams. Rice called Queen a “great short track racer” and expressed excitement about his future with the team. Kaulig Racing currently fields two full-time Chevrolet entries in the Cup Series with drivers AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon. Notably, the team’s use of RAM engines in the Truck Series is marking Matt Kaulig as the first owner to collaborate with multiple OEMs across NASCAR’s three national series.
Brenden Queen’s Growing Profile and Next Steps
As Brenden Queen continues to make waves in ARCA and now takes steps into NASCAR’s Xfinity and possibly Truck Series, his journey illustrates how perseverance, timing, and exposure have combined to create meaningful opportunities. His recent achievements, including leading every lap at Dover, indicate a promising future in motorsports. With the possibility of securing a Truck Series ride and his eyes set on the Cup Series, Queen’s career trajectory remains one to watch as he pursues his goal of competing at NASCAR’s highest level.
