Spire Motorsports is taking the next step in one of stock car racing’s most promising young careers, announcing that 15-year-old prospect Tristan McKee will make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut Aug. 14 at Richmond Raceway.
McKee, the first driver signed to Spire Motorsports’ Ascent Driver Development Program, will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST under the guidance of veteran crew chief Chad Walter. The Richmond start marks the beginning of a planned five-race Truck Series schedule that also includes New Hampshire, Bristol, Phoenix and Martinsville.
The call-up comes after a rapid rise through multiple racing disciplines that has established McKee as one of the most highly touted young talents in the sport.
“This is a huge step in my career,” McKee said. “I’ve worked for this opportunity my entire life and I’m thrilled to take this next step.”
The Virginia native has built an impressive résumé despite not yet turning 16. At age 12, he became the youngest winner in CARS Tour history with a victory at Dillon Motor Speedway. Since then, he has added multiple CARS Tour wins, captured the 2025 TA2 Series championship and became the youngest champion in that series’ history.
His success has continued in ARCA competition. Just days after turning 15, McKee earned his first ARCA Menards Series victory at Watkins Glen and has since developed into a championship contender in the ARCA Menards Series East. Through five East races in 2026, he has recorded three victories and sits only three points out of the championship lead.
Spire Motorsports officials view the Truck Series debut as part of a long-term development plan rather than a one-race evaluation.
“We’re not going to define success or failure based off one race,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “We’ll be looking at the totality of these five races.”