SALISBURY, N.C. — Kaden Honeycutt is going full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing next year with Niece Motorsports, the team announced Tuesday morning.
Honeycutt, 21, has competed in a part-time schedule behind the wheel of the No. 45 Chevrolet this season, notching five top-10 results in 10 starts. He produced standout showings at Kansas Speedway, where he finished fourth in both races, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he was in contention for the race win before pit road issues relegated him to seventh.
The driver, who hails from Aledo, Texas, first joined Niece for a one-race deal at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway last year. His journey included driving part-time for four different team owners before aligning with fellow Texan, Al Niece. Niece saw Honeycutt’s potential and quickly signed him on for a majority role as the anchor driver for the No. 45 team this year.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much this opportunity means to me,” said Honeycutt. “Before I got connected with Al (Niece) and Cody (Efaw), last year, I thought my career was over. Both of them took a big chance on me leading into this year and it’s kept me hungry to make them proud. My group of guys on the No. 45 team have become brothers to me, and we’ve been able to share such a good relationship.
“We’ve had some good runs this year, and I know what our team is capable of,” he continued. “Heading into 2025, I really think we’ll have a great shot at competing at a high level on a weekly basis. I can’t say thank you enough to Al, Cody, and everyone at Chevrolet for this. It’s going to be a great year together.”
Though he hasn’t been in the truck at every race this year, Honeycutt’s schedule was bolstered with a full-time championship bid in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series. Along with that, he’s made a healthy amount of CARS Tour Late Model Stock and Hunt the Front Dirt Late Model Series starts, and even competes virtually in the eNASCAR iRacing Coca-Cola Series.
He was also tabbed to run in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.
“Kaden has shown so much potential behind the wheel this season and we are thrilled to have him on board full-time with us,” said Niece. “With Kaden’s talent and our team’s hard work, we expect to be contenting for wins and championships next year. He’s a true racer, and I think that he has the tools to make a great career in the sport. I’m looking forward to see what he’ll be able to accomplish.”
The addition of Honeycutt marks the second domino to fall into place for Niece Motorsports’ 2025 season plans. Last week, the team announced a one-year contract extension for Matt Mills to remain as the driver of its No. 42 entry. Mills will have longtime partners, J.F. Electric and Utilitra on board as his primary sponsors for all 25 races next year.