Tristan McKee jumps to Truck Series for five races with Spire

Tristan McKee, one of NASCAR’s biggest prospects, will make his first starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting this August.

McKee will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet in five races at Richmond, New Hampshire, Bristol, Phoenix and Martinsville.

He will be the eighth driver to run the truck this year joining names such as Carson Hocevar and most recently Nick Sanchez. McKee turns 16 on Aug. 3, which will make him eligible to run all short tracks and road courses in the series.

He’s one of the most hyped prospects in NASCAR right now. He scored multiple wins in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour, and Spire signed to a development deal in January 2025.

He won a bunch of Trans-Am races too leading up to his ARCA Menards Series debut. At Watkins Glen in his debut, he won his first career race less than a week after turning 15. He ran more races between Spire and Pinnacle Racing Group with impressive results such as a second at Bristol.

This year, Pinnacle signed him to chase an ARCA East title with more starts in the main division as well. McKee has won three races this season in the East Series including at Rockingham where he led all 125 laps. He additionally dominated Toledo where led all but six laps.

He currently sits second in points to Max Reaves, after a crash and later mechanical problems forced him to finish 32nd.

McKee’s debut in the Truck Series will be one of the most looked forward to, by fans watching for NASCAR’s next big stars. In a team press release, McKee said, “This is a huge step in my career and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to drive for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.”

McKee at Richmond and New Hampshire will also have a duty to keep the No. 77 truck in the Owners Chase. The truck sits ninth in points and 30 points above the cutline. Good runs will allow Spire a chance to give both full-time trucks a chance to go for an owners title.

McKee’s first starts in the Truck Series could make a big statement as he moves up the NASCAR ladder.