Derek Kneeland, the NASCAR spotter for Kyle Busch‘s No. 8 Cup Series team and Austin Hill‘s No. 21 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team, will shift from guiding drivers over the radio to sitting behind the wheel. On Saturday, March 28, Kneeland will make his first ARCA Menards Series East start at Hickory Motor Speedway in Newton, North Carolina, driving the No. 28 car for Pinnacle Racing Group. This role reversal arises from Kneeland’s deep involvement with the team and marks a significant milestone in his racing career.
Kneeland, 36, has been a vital part of Pinnacle Racing Group’s success, spotting for 12 of the team’s 19 ARCA wins to date. Over the years, he has worked closely with rising talents like Connor Mosack, Connor Zilisch, and Brenden Queen, helping them navigate the often complex race environments. Now, Kneeland takes the wheel himself for this season opener in the ARCA East series, demonstrating both his versatility and passion for motorsports.
Behind the Scenes: From Spotting to Driving
The announcement of Kneeland’s entry into the driver’s seat was celebrated by Pinnacle Racing Group, highlighting his essential contributions as a spotter while expressing confidence in his capabilities as a racer. Pinnacle Racing Group’s social media shared,
“Trading in his headset for a helmet at Hickory Motor Speedway on March 28th! This guy has been the spotter for 12 of our 19 ARCA wins, now it’s his turn. Welcome to the #28 driver’s seat, @SpotterDerek!”
The transition has been a lifelong dream for Kneeland, who explained on social media,
“BIG announcement! A childhood dream to drive on the national level. As a driver I’m not deserving of this compared to so many talented drivers, but the team appreciates me and the job I do for them and I will give 110% effort into this once in a lifetime opportunity!!”
Season Plans and Future Prospects
Kneeland’s drive in the ARCA East season opener is part of a unique opportunity, as Carson Brown is set to take over the No. 28 car for the remainder of the 2026 season. Despite the limited duration of his driving role, Kneeland views this as a valuable moment to embrace fully. He told Motorsport reporter Matt Weaver,
“I just couldn’t be more excited and fortunate for this opportunity because it’s once in a lifetime. I think a lot of people watch on TV and they think anyone can go and do it.”
He continued,
“It’s like, ‘No, this costs a lot of money and tremendous personnel to get to the track and do all of these things.’ I’m just going to put my best foot forward and I’m going to soak it all in because this is probably going to be my one and done shot. I want to capture all the memories and get everything I can out of it.”
Kneeland’s Role in Pinnacle’s Success and NASCAR Community
Derek Kneeland has established himself as a trusted figure within the racing community, balancing his responsibilities as both spotter and part-time racer. His role with Kyle Busch’s team positions him at the center of NASCAR’s competitive environment, while his part-time competition in Pro Late Model races keeps his driving skills sharp. This blend of experience underscores why the Pinnacle Racing Group values his contributions so highly, offering him this rare chance to step into the driver’s role.
Kneeland’s experience spotting for drivers such as Connor Mosack, Connor Zilisch, and Brenden Queen reflects his familiarity with fast-paced race strategy and driver support. His presence behind the scenes has helped guide emerging prospects toward victories and solid performances, making his debut on track a compelling development within the ARCA series.
What This Means for the Season and Kneeland’s Career
This event could represent a pivotal moment for Kneeland, highlighting the fluid nature of roles in motorsports where dedication and talent can lead to unexpected opportunities. Although his driving stint may be brief, it offers a chance to demonstrate his commitment and skill from a different perspective. For the broader NASCAR community and Pinnacle Racing Group, Kneeland’s debut serves as a testament to the teamwork and versatility that drive success in racing.
The ARCA Menards Series East opener at Hickory Motor Speedway will not only mark Kneeland’s first official race in this category but also shine a spotlight on his evolution within the sport. Fans and professionals alike will watch to see how this seasoned spotter adapts to the demands of competitive driving, possibly influencing future roles he may pursue within motorsports.
https://twitter.com/RacePRG/status/2028868822199943458
BIG announcement! A childhood dream to drive on the national level. As a driver Im not deserving of this compared to so many talented drivers, but the team appreciates me and the job I do for them and I will give 110% effort into this once in a lifetime opportunity!! https://t.co/4kjYjG6KRh
— Derek Kneeland (@SpotterDerek) March 3, 2026
