From local tracks to the national stage: Brenden "Butterbean" Queen is making his mark! Get ready, NASCAR fans, because a new name is about to become a household one. Brenden "Butterbean" Queen, the 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion, is set to join Kaulig Racing for a full-time ride in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026. This is a story of hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
Queen, a graduate of Hickory High School and a native of Chesapeake, has been steadily climbing the racing ladder. His impressive performance in the ARCA Menards Series, culminating in a championship win, caught the attention of Kaulig Racing. This team is entering the Truck Series for the first time, and they've chosen Queen to be one of their lead drivers.
Kaulig Racing made the exciting announcement, revealing that Queen will be the first of five drivers to pilot Ram trucks for the team. The 2026 Truck Series season will kick off on February 13th at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
Queen expressed his gratitude, stating, "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 achievements, highlighting his success across various racing levels. He noted Queen's impressive journey, from winning championships at his local short track to his dominant ARCA season, solidifying his belief that Queen deserved this opportunity.
Before fully transitioning to the Truck Series, the 27-year-old Queen will complete his three-race stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. He'll be competing at Talladega on Saturday, Martinsville on October 25th, and Phoenix on November 1st.
Queen has already shown glimpses of his potential in Kaulig’s No. 11 Chevrolet, finishing 20th at Bristol and ninth at Kansas. His standout ARCA season included eight wins in 20 starts, further establishing him as a rising star in NASCAR. He's also a former Langley Speedway champion.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the jump from ARCA to the Truck Series is a significant leap. What do you think? Will Queen's proven talent translate to success at the higher level? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
