Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2026, driving the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports in two races. His first appearance is scheduled for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, followed by a race at EchoPark Speedway on February 21.
This announcement marks Stenhouse’s first participation in the Truck Series, despite his extensive experience in NASCAR’s national series since 2009. As a full-time Cup Series driver recognized for his superspeedway skills, he will apply this expertise with the No. 45 entry in his scheduled appearances. After these initial two races, the schedule indicates that other drivers will take over the No. 45 for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Ricky Stenhouse set for first Truck Series start.
Niece Motorsports confirmed that Stenhouse will make his Truck Series debut at Daytona. The team stated that he will drive the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST with crew chief Phil Gould calling the shots.
“I’ve always wanted to run a truck, but never had the opportunity to put something together, Ricky said in the team release published by NieceMotorsports.com. When Cody (Efaw) called me, I definitely had a lot of interest to see what all they have been building here at Niece Motorsports, especially looking at their level of competition.”
Stenhouse also pointed to his past success at Daytona as a key factor in the decision. “With it being at Daytona, obviously winning the 500 was awesome, and I’d love to win a Truck Series race there, too, Stenhouse noted. I’ve always wanted to race a truck, but I wanted it to be competitive, and this checks all of those boxes.”
Superspeedway experience adds value.
Stenhouse enters the Truck Series with a strong record on drafting tracks. He has won four NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona and Talladega. He is also a former race winner at Atlanta on the track’s previous configuration.
Niece Motorsports CEO Cody Efaw said the team believes Stenhouse can contend immediately.
“We are all very excited to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to our team for his first time racing in the Truck Series, Cody said in the same NieceMotorsports.com release. I’ve known Ricky for several years now, dating back to our time at Roush, and he’s always been a natural on super speedways.”
Efaw added that the schedule fits Stenhouse’s strengths. “I believe he will have a true shot at contending for the win at both Daytona and Atlanta.”
Sponsorship and team plans for 2026
J.F. Electric will serve as the primary sponsor for both Truck Series races. The Illinois-based company is a family-owned electrical contractor with a history that spans more than 100 years.
Company CEO and Chairman Greg Fowler said Daytona provides a significant opportunity for the team.
“Josh Morris and I are thrilled to welcome Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to Niece Motorsports for his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Daytona. There’s no bigger stage for a debut than Daytona, and we believe Ricky gives our team a real opportunity to contend for the win.”
Niece Motorsports reports that Stenhouse will compete in the opening two races of the 2026 season, after which Ross Chastain is slated to take over the No. 45 for eight additional events. The season officially begins on Friday, February 13, at Daytona International Speedway and will be broadcast live on FS1.
In summary, these developments position Stenhouse for a notable entrance into the Truck Series and reflect Niece Motorsports’ strategic approach for the upcoming season.
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