Kaden Honeycutt Wins 2026 NASCAR Truck Series Championship

Kaden Honeycutt, driving for TRICON Garage, secured the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) championship on November 9, 2026, by winning the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This victory marks Honeycutt's first career championship, the second consecutive title for TRICON Garage, and Toyota's eleventh driver's championship in the Truck Series.

Honeycutt's Championship Season

Throughout the 2026 NCTS season, Honeycutt demonstrated consistent performance, accumulating five wins, 16 top-five finishes, and 19 top-10 placements across 25 races. His statistics for top-five and top-10 finishes were the highest in the series, highlighting his competitive edge.

Key victories for the 23-year-old Texas native included races at Watkins Glen International, Richmond Raceway, Kansas Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, and the decisive season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This strong showing culminated in his first professional racing title, solidifying his position as a top contender in the series.

Toyota's Enduring Truck Series Success

Honeycutt's championship adds to Toyota's significant history in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, marking their 11th driver's title. Since joining NCTS competition in 2004, Toyota has achieved a total of 257 victories in the series. Honeycutt's win at Homestead-Miami Speedway also represented Toyota's 699th overall victory across all NASCAR series, underscoring their long-standing presence and success in the sport.

Crew chief Scott Zipadelli made history by becoming the first in the Truck Series to win championships with three different drivers, previously guiding Brett Moffitt and Corey Heim to titles. This achievement further highlights the strategic depth within the TRICON Garage team and Toyota's racing program.

Path to the Title and Future Outlook

Honeycutt joined the Toyota racing program in August 2025 through a driver development agreement. In his 2025 season, competing with Toyota-supported Halmar-Friesen Racing, he finished third in the overall championship standings during his second full-time Truck Series campaign.

He then transitioned to TRICON Garage for the 2026 season, where he piloted the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro to his championship. Honeycutt is scheduled to return in 2027 to defend his title, continuing with TRICON Garage and the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra. He is the ninth Tundra driver to secure a championship, joining a list that includes Corey Heim (2025), Ben Rhodes (2021), Brett Moffitt (2018), Christopher Bell (2017), Erik Jones (2015), Matt Crafton (2013 and 2014), Todd Bodine (2006, 2010), and Johnny Benson (2008).

Kaden Honeycutt's 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship underscores his rapid ascent in motorsports and further solidifies Toyota's position as a dominant force in the series. His consistent performance and the team's strategic support have set a strong precedent for his future in NASCAR, promising continued competition at the highest levels.