The 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion makes the jump to NASCAR’s Truck Series as Kaulig Racing enters the circuit for the first time.
Brenden “Butterbean” Queen’s rise through the racing ranks continues. The Hickory High School graduate and Chesapeake native, who captured the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship, has been hired by Kaulig Racing to compete full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series next season.
Kaulig Racing made the announcement Thursday, naming Queen as the first of five drivers who will pilot Ram trucks during the team’s debut year on the circuit. The 2026 Truck Series season opens 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.”
Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice praised Queen’s steady climb and success across multiple levels of racing.
“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,” Rice said. “He’s proven he deserves this opportunity.”
Before his full-time jump to the Truck Series, the 27-year-old Queen will finish out his three-race stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, competing at Talladega on Saturday, Martinsville on Oct. 25, and Phoenix on Nov. 1.
Queen has already shown flashes of his potential in Kaulig’s No. 11 Chevrolet, finishing 20th at Bristol and ninth at Kansas. His breakout ARCA season featured eight wins in 20 starts — a performance that solidified his place as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. He’s also a former Langley Speedway champion.