NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team Niece Motorsports has selected Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to compete in its No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado during the 2026 Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. The Olive Branch, Mississippi native will also participate in the following superspeedway race at EchoPark Speedway on February 21, marking his debut in the NASCAR Truck Series.
Stenhouse’s Extensive Experience on Superspeedways
At 38 years old, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is recognized as one of NASCAR’s top performers on superspeedway tracks. He is preparing for his 14th full-time season in the Cup Series, currently driving for HYAK Motorsports in his sixth year with the organization. His career accomplishments include winning the 2023 Daytona 500 and securing three additional Cup Series victories on superspeedways—one at Daytona and two at Talladega.
Over his career, Stenhouse has made 472 Cup Series starts and 110 starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he earned eight wins and two championships. His proven track record in high-speed, drafting-heavy races positions him strongly for this new challenge in the Truck Series.
Previous Performance and Upcoming Competition Plan
Last season, Stenhouse demonstrated solid results at EchoPark Speedway, finishing fifth and sixth in his two Cup Series starts there. This track remains the only major drafting circuit where he has yet to claim a victory. Following his Truck Series appearances at Daytona and EchoPark, Stenhouse will hand over driving responsibilities for the No. 45 truck to Landen Lewis and NASCAR Cup Series competitor Ross Chastain during the remainder of the 2026 season.
Significance of Stenhouse’s Move to the Truck Series
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s entry into the NASCAR Truck Series represents a noteworthy crossover for a current Cup Series champion, emphasizing his versatility and commitment to expanding his racing portfolio. His participation in these early-season superspeedway events not only brings added attention to Niece Motorsports but also highlights the continuing importance of drafting skill and experience in shaping competitive outcomes across NASCAR’s diverse racing series.
As the Truck Series season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Stenhouse’s seasoned expertise translates to success in this different yet challenging arena of NASCAR competition.
NEWS: A champion is checking in!@StenhouseJr joins Niece Motorsports to make his @NASCAR_Trucks debut, piloting the No. 45 Chevy Silverado at @DAYTONA and @EchoParkSpdwy. #PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/rSAOgq7HN5
NEWS: A champion is checking in!@StenhouseJr joins Niece Motorsports to make his @NASCAR_Trucks debut, piloting the No. 45 Chevy Silverado at @DAYTONA and @EchoParkSpdwy. #PressTheAttack | #TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/rSAOgq7HN5
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) January 14, 2026
