At 16 years and 11 days, Tristan McKee could become one of the youngest drivers to debut in the Truck Series. McKee turns 16 on August 3, and he will make his Truck Series debut with the team at Richmond Raceway on August 14.

McKee, 15, currently a part of Spire's Ascent Driver Development Program, will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado. However, his age will only let him race on tracks that are 1.25 miles or smaller.

“This is a huge step in my career and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to drive for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series,” said McKee, as reported by Motorsport.

“I can’t thank Jeff D, Dan Towriss, Bill Anthony, and everyone at Spire Motorsports enough for believing in me and making this possible. I’ve worked for this opportunity my entire life and I’m thrilled to take this next step in my career,” McKee added.

McKee brings an impressive resume with him, and even better age records. He became the youngest winner in CARS Tour history at just 12 after winning the 2023 Pro Late Model race at Dillon Motor Speedway. In the ARCA Series too, he was the second-youngest winner at fifteen years and five days.

Since then, he has added more CARS Tour victories while impressing in Trans Am and the ARCA Menards Series. He has two wins in nine starts in the latter, and three wins from five starts in the ARCA East Series.

Chad Walter will have the crew chief duties for him at Richmond. After his debut, the team is already planning to make him start more races, like at New Hampshire, Bristol, Phoenix and Martinsville.

Spire boss shared his joy

“We look at Tristan McKee and see someone with a huge upside and potential to make a positive impact across Spire Motorsports’ driver lineup,” said Spire co-owner Jeff D.

Jeff mentioned how the team won’t be harsh to judge him based on just one race, but they will observe all five of them.

“He’s a tremendous young man, with undeniable talent who comes from a great family. We’re more than optimistic to start a new chapter in his developmental process.”

McKee is no doubt one of stock car racing's brightest prospects who now gets to step onto NASCAR's national stage so early. And Spire believes this is only the beginning.

If he continues his run like this, the team may have surely found a cornerstone for its future.

Written by

Suyashdeep Sason

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason