Brenden “Butterbean” Queen is taking the next big leap in his racing career — and fans are already buzzing with excitement! The Chesapeake native and Hickory High School alum, who claimed the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship, is set to race full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026, as Kaulig Racing makes its highly anticipated debut in the series.
Kaulig Racing officially announced Thursday that Queen will be the first of five drivers to handle their Ram trucks during their inaugural Truck Series season. The action kicks off on February 13 at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.
Queen shared his gratitude in a team statement: "A huge thank you to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, Ram, and everyone at Kaulig Racing for believing in me. I’ve been a short-track kid chasing a dream, never quite sure I’d reach this level. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to hit the track with Ram and Kaulig Racing. Our focus is clear: build a strong, competitive team and go after championships."
Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice praised Queen’s consistent progress and impressive track record. "Watching Brenden grow has been nothing short of remarkable. From multiple local short track championships to dominating the ARCA Menards Series, he’s demonstrated he has what it takes. He’s earned every bit of this opportunity," Rice remarked.
Before fully committing to the Truck Series, 27-year-old Queen will wrap up a three-race engagement in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, racing at Talladega this Saturday, followed by Martinsville on October 25, and Phoenix on November 1.
Queen has already shown glimpses of his potential in Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 Chevrolet, finishing 20th at Bristol and achieving a top-ten finish with ninth at Kansas. His standout ARCA season featured eight wins in 20 starts, firmly establishing him as one of the rising stars in NASCAR. Notably, Queen is also a former Langley Speedway champion, underscoring his deep roots and consistent success in the sport.
But here’s the part most people miss — stepping into the Truck Series with a team making its debut is a bold move. Will Queen’s momentum carry him straight to the top, or will he face the challenges that often test even the most promising rookies? What do you think — is he ready to make an immediate impact, or should fans expect a learning curve? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below.
