Landen Lewis, the newly-crowned champion of the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car division, has been signed by Niece Motorsports to compete part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
The 19-year-old will serve as the “anchor driver” for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry out of the Niece Motorsports stable next season. An exact schedule of events has yet to be released, nor is it confirmed which vehicle Lewis will pilot in 2025.
“I’m super excited to join Niece Motorsports in 2026 and look forward to having a solid year learning all I can,” said Lewis. “I want to learn all about these trucks and build chemistry with the entire crew. I can’t wait to get there and start working alongside everyone. I’m just so thankful to everyone here – along with Cody Efaw and the ownership group of Josh Morris and Greg Fowler – for welcoming me as one of their own. It’s been a great year in 2025, and I’m looking forward to more in 2026.”
While climbing up through the ranks of short track racing, Lewis has had the mentorship of four-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, as well as 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick.
“I just don’t think there are many kinds that are left like Landen,” said Kevin Harvick. “When you look at his work ethic, determination, and ability, and the sacrifices that he makes with his time, it’s contagious. It attracts people to him; it attracts sponsors, and it attracts everybody to want to support him.”
Hornaday first met Lewis several years ago, and since that point in time, has been an important part of the development program for the Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina-native.
“Nobody deserves this opportunity with Niece Motorsports more than Landen,” said Ron Hornaday. “He’s worked his tail off to get here, and I couldn’t be happier for him. You don’t see too many drivers come along that have his level of talent, focus, and competitive fire. It’s a heck of a combination. He found a lot of success in Late Models this year, and there’s no doubt he’ll continue that in the Truck Series with Niece.”
Lewis isn’t totally brand-new to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, either, having made three career starts since 2023 — two while driving the No. 04 for Roper Racing Team in 2023, and another while driving the No. 16 for Hattori Racing Enterprises at Martinsville in 2024.
In addition to all of his short track racing accomplishments, Lewis is also a race-winner in the ARCA Menards Series. While piloting a Rette Jones Racing-prepared entry (under the REV Racing banner), Lewis won the 2021 Southern Illinois 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Throughout six ARCA starts, Lewis has three top-two finishes with three different organizations.
“We have always tried to find that next young talent who we think is a future star in the sport,” said Cody Efaw, CEO of Niece Motorsports. “Landen Lewis is just that. He’s been on our radar for a couple of years now, and we have quietly watched him grow into a well-rounded driver who shines in any vehicle he gets into.
“I think of guys like Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar, who both made the most of their opportunity with our team, and it’s showing on Sundays. We think Landen has the opportunity to put our team back into the spotlight as a threat week-in and week-out. I think with mentors like Kevin (Harvick) and Ron (Hornaday) in his corner, combined with our team, Landen definitely has a bright future ahead of him.”
Additional information regarding the race schedule, truck number, partners, and competition team for Lewis’ efforts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be announced at a later date.
