Cole Butcher Bio
Cole Butcher (born August 31, 1996) is a Canadian professional stock car racing driver. He is best known for his success in regional and touring late model series across North America, including championships in the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour and wins in marquee events such as the Oxford 250 and the Winchester 400. Most recently, Butcher made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut, driving the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Halmar Friesen Racing.
A native of Nova Scotia, Butcher built his reputation on short tracks in the Maritime provinces before expanding his schedule into the United States. His career reflects steady progression from local stock car racing to some of the most prestigious late model events on the continent.
Early Life and Background
Cole Butcher was born on August 31, 1996, in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada. Growing up in a coastal community east of Halifax, he was introduced to stock car racing at a young age through the regional short tracks that dot the Maritime provinces. Porters Lake and the surrounding area have long produced competitive stock car talent, and Butcher followed that local tradition into the sport.
Family played a meaningful role in his early development. His brother, Jarrett Butcher, also competes in racing, creating a household connection to the sport that helped shape Cole’s ambitions. Like many young drivers from the region, he honed his skills on ovals such as Scotia Speedworld and Riverside International Speedway before seeking opportunities farther afield.
Path to NASCAR
Butcher’s climb through the stock car ladder began on the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour, one of the premier touring series in the Maritime provinces. He captured Pro Stock Tour championships in 2016 and 2018, establishing himself as one of the top drivers in eastern Canada. He also won the Toromont Cat 250, a marquee event on that tour, in both 2016 and 2017.
With regional success secured, Butcher expanded his schedule into American late model competition. He joined series such as the CARS Pro Late Model Tour, the ASA STARS National Tour, the ASA CRA Super Series, the NASCAR Weekly Series, and the ASA Southern Super Series. His results in those series, including high-profile wins at the Oxford 250, the Redbud 400, and the Winchester 400, eventually drew the attention of NASCAR-affiliated teams and set the stage for his national-series debut.
Cole Butcher Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Butcher announced himself as a rising Maritime talent by winning the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour championship in 2016, the same year he won the Toromont Cat 250. The following season, he repeated as the winner of the Toromont Cat 250, demonstrating consistency in one of the region’s most important events.
In 2018, Butcher secured his second Pro Stock Tour championship, confirming his status as one of the most accomplished drivers in eastern Canadian stock car racing during that era. These early accomplishments provided the foundation for his eventual transition to American late model competition.
ASA STARS National Tour Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Butcher’s move to the ASA STARS National Tour elevated his profile on a national stage. He amassed seven victories in the series and recorded a best points finish of second in 2023, narrowly missing the championship. His ASA STARS success included marquee wins at the Oxford 250 in 2022 and 2023, the Redbud 400 in 2023, and the Winchester 400 in 2024.
These performances against strong national competition proved that Butcher could win on a variety of track types, from short bullrings to larger intermediate ovals. The Oxford 250 wins in particular cemented his reputation as a big-race driver, as the event is widely considered one of the most prestigious late model races in North America.
Halmar Friesen Racing Era (2025–Present)
On August 10, 2025, it was announced that Cole Butcher would attempt to make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the No. 62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing. He started 21st and finished two laps down in 23rd in his first national-series start. Later in 2025, the team confirmed he would return to the truck at Phoenix Raceway, signaling a continued partnership with the operation.
Butcher also continued his late model campaign in 2025, adding the Florida Governor’s Cup and a second Redbud 400 victory to his resume. His dual schedule reflects his ambition to balance established late model success with a developing presence in NASCAR’s top three national series.
Driving Style and Strengths
Butcher has built his reputation on short tracks and high-banked ovals, where patience and tire management are critical. His late model career demonstrates a knack for conserving equipment over long runs and capitalizing in the closing stages of marquee events such as the Oxford 250 and the Winchester 400. His smooth, consistent style has translated well as he adapts to the heavier, higher-horsepower trucks of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Notable Races and Milestones
Signature milestones in Butcher’s career include his Oxford 250 victories in 2022 and 2023, his Redbud 400 wins in 2023 and 2025, and his Winchester 400 triumph in 2024. His NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2025 marked the first national-series start of his career, and his Florida Governor’s Cup win reinforced his status as a threat in premier short-track events.
Cole Butcher Career Wins
Cole Butcher has compiled victories across several stock car series, with particular strength in touring late model competition. He is a two-time East Coast International Pro Stock Tour champion (2016, 2018), a two-time winner of the Toromont Cat 250 (2016, 2017), and a two-time winner of the Oxford 250 (2022, 2023). He has also captured the Redbud 400 (2023, 2025), the Winchester 400 (2024), and the Florida Governor’s Cup (2025).
ASA STARS National Tour Highlights
Butcher has recorded seven wins in the ASA STARS National Tour and finished second in the 2023 points standings. His victories include the Oxford 250 (2022, 2023), the Redbud 400 (2023), and the Winchester 400 (2024), establishing him as one of the tour’s most consistent winners over the past several seasons.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond ASA STARS, Butcher has scored victories in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour, including a win at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2023. He has also competed in the ASA CRA Super Series, the NASCAR Weekly Series, and the ASA Southern Super Series, building a versatile resume that spans both Canadian and American short tracks.
Cole Butcher Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cole Butcher’s brother, Jarrett Butcher, is also a racing competitor. The brothers share a connection to the Maritime stock car scene, and their shared involvement in the sport has shaped Cole’s path from local tracks in Nova Scotia to national-series competition.
Personal Life
Cole Butcher was raised in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia, and remains closely tied to his Maritime roots as he pursues opportunities in American motorsports. He is a Canadian national who has balanced life in eastern Canada with an expanding schedule in the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a major step forward in Cole Butcher’s career. In August, he made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway with Halmar Friesen Racing, driving the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. The team later confirmed additional starts, including Phoenix Raceway, as Butcher continued his transition into NASCAR’s national ranks.
Outside of his Truck Series efforts, Butcher remained a contender in the ASA STARS National Tour, where his seven career wins include the 2025 Florida Governor’s Cup and a second Redbud 400 title. His late model results kept him near the top of the standings while he balanced his national-series learning curve.
Looking ahead, Butcher’s 2025 campaign reflects a driver in transition, established and proven in late model racing while working to translate that success into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With Halmar Friesen Racing providing a competitive Toyota platform, his late-season Truck Series starts offered a foundation to build on heading into future seasons.
