{"id":47894,"date":"2025-08-05T21:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T21:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/47894\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T21:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T21:10:07","slug":"nascar-playoff-contender-confirms-immediate-return-after-shock-firing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/47894\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR playoff contender confirms immediate return after shock firing"},"content":{"rendered":"

NASCAR<\/a> playoff hopeful Kaden Honeycutt has moved quickly to keep his postseason dreams alive within hours of his shock firing. <\/p>\n

\nThe 22-year-old Truck Series star was the subject of a major storyline earlier this week when he was let go by Niece Motorsports<\/a> after the team learned he had signed with a rival for the 2026 season. <\/p>\n

\nREAD MORE: NASCAR Cup Series star set to drive for new team as official statement released<\/a> <\/p>\n

\nThe move was confirmed in a statement which read: \u201cNiece Motorsports has released Kaden Honeycutt from his driving duties for the organization, effective immediately. <\/p>\n

\n\u201cConnor Zilisch will pilot the No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado at Watkins Glen. Bayley Currey will serve as the driver for the remainder of the season beginning at Richmond. Phil Gould will remain as the crew chief, with no other personnel changes on the team. <\/p>\n

\n“Honeycutt has signed a contract to race with a different Truck Series organization and OEM in 2026 – making this change allows our team the opportunity to begin building for next year.\u201d <\/p>\n

\nREAD MORE: NASCAR Cup Series star puts family first as retirement decision confirmed<\/a> <\/p>\n

Honeycutt keeps 2025 playoff dream alive<\/p>\n

\nHoneycutt, who currently sits sixth in the Truck Series points standings and holds provisional ninth in the playoff picture, himself responded by saying he would not give up on 2025. <\/p>\n

\nHe issued a statement, confirming: “My plan is to contend for race wins and position myself to make the playoffs this season. I look forward to sharing my plans for the remainder of 2025 and beyond in the near future.\u201d <\/p>\n

\nTime was of the essence for Honeycutt with Friday’s action looming at Watkins Glen, as if he missed the action, he would require a waiver to be playoff eligible. <\/p>\n

\nHowever, he has swiftly found not one but two new teams to keep his playoff dreams alive. <\/p>\n

\nHoneycutt will take the wheel of the No. 2 Chevrolet for Young\u2019s Motorsports at Watkins Glen, before replacing the injured Stewart Friesen in the No. 52 Toyota starting at Richmond the week after. <\/p>\n

Kaden steps in for injured Friesen<\/p>\n

\nFriesen was ruled out for the rest of the year after suffering multiple injuries in a horrific Modified wreck in Canada early last week<\/a>. He has since undergone surgeries for an unstable\/open-book pelvis fracture and a fractured right leg. Christopher Bell replaces him this weekend, before Honeycutt steps in from Richmond on. <\/p>\n

\nHoneycutt said: \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to be able to fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season and help give his team a chance at the owner\u2019s championship, which they earned. I\u2019m excited to compete in contending, race-winning equipment as I pursue a title this season.\u201d <\/p>\n

\nREAD MORE: NASCAR seizes Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports cars for further inspection post-Iowa<\/a><\/p>\n

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