Get ready to witness a racing underdog’s dream come true—Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen is making the leap to the big leagues. The 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion is set to join Kaulig Racing for a full-time ride in the NASCAR Truck Series starting in 2026, marking a monumental step in his already impressive career. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this move isn’t just about Queen’s rise; it’s also Kaulig Racing’s debut in the Truck Series, making this partnership a double milestone in the racing world.
Queen, a Chesapeake native and Hickory High School alum, has been a force to reckon with on the track. His journey from local short tracks to the ARCA championship title is a testament to hard work and raw talent. Now, he’s ready to tackle NASCAR’s Truck Series head-on, piloting a Ram truck for Kaulig Racing as one of their five inaugural drivers. The 2026 season kicks off on February 13 at Daytona International Speedway, and Queen is already setting his sights on building a winning team and chasing championships.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a short-track kid like Queen truly dominate in the high-stakes world of NASCAR? His humble beginnings and relentless drive have earned him a spot, but the Truck Series is a whole new beast. Queen himself acknowledges the uncertainty of his journey, saying, ‘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.’ Yet, his performance speaks for itself—eight wins in 20 ARCA starts and a former Langley Speedway championship prove he’s no underdog anymore.
Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice is all-in on Queen’s potential, praising his steady climb and dominance across multiple racing levels. ‘He’s proven he deserves this opportunity,’ Rice said. And while Queen prepares for his Truck Series debut, he’s not done with the NASCAR Xfinity Series just yet. The 27-year-old will wrap up a three-race stint with Kaulig Racing, competing at Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix before fully shifting gears.
And this is the part most people miss: Queen’s breakout ARCA season wasn’t just about winning races—it was about solidifying his place as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. His 20th-place finish at Bristol and 9th at Kansas in Kaulig’s No. 11 Chevrolet were just glimpses of what he’s capable of. Now, with a full-time Truck Series ride, the question remains: Can he replicate his ARCA success on a bigger stage?
As the racing community buzzes with anticipation, one thing is clear: Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen is a name you’ll want to remember. But what do you think? Is Queen the next big thing in NASCAR, or will the Truck Series prove too tough for the short-track champ? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
