Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, the Hickory High graduate who won the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship, was hired Thursday by Kaulig Racing to compete full-time in NASCAR’s Truck Series in 2026.
The Chesapeake native, a former Langley Speedway champion, was the first announced of five Kaulig drivers who will race Ram trucks. It will be Kaulig’s first year on the circuit, which will start Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway.
“A big thanks to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, Ram, and everyone at Kaulig Racing for this opportunity,” Queen said in a team release. “I’m just a short-track kid who’s worked hard every day, never really knowing if I’d ever make it to this level. I’m very thankful for this chance and can’t wait to get rolling with Ram and Kaulig Racing. The goals are simple: Build a winning team and chase championships.”
“It’s been amazing to see what Brenden is capable of, from winning multiple championships at his local short track to his dominant ARCA championship season,” said Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing. “He’s proven he deserves this opportunity.”
Queen already had signed to compete for Kaulig for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series’ final three races — Saturday at Talladega, Oct. 25 at Martinsville and Nov. 1 at Phoenix.
Queen, 27, won eight of this year’s 20 ARCA races. In his two Xfinity races so far in Kaulig’s No. 11 Chevrolet, he finished 20th at Bristol and ninth at Kansas.
Originally Published: October 16, 2025 at 5:37 PM EDT