What’s Happening?

Debuts are one of a handful of things that make NASCAR special. In the modern era, many drivers, both young and old, are flocking to the sport to see what they’ve got or begin a long-term career in NASCAR. Here are those drivers joining this list in 2025.

• For our list, we will highlight drivers making debuts in all three NASCAR National Series this season. We will only highlight those who made points racing debuts. For example, short track ace Tim Brown, who raced with Rick Ware Racing in the 2025 Clash, will not be included.
• We will also feature driver debuts in any of the three NASCAR National Series. For example, if a driver makes their Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series debut this season, they would be featured three times on this list and add three drivers to the total count.
• So far, 13 drivers have made debuts in the three NASCAR National series in 2025. We will list the track they raced at, the team they raced with, the number they raced with, and where they started and finished.
• Make sure to come back for updates throughout the 2025 season to make sure you don’t miss any debuts!

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (5 Debuts)

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series had a slow start to its 2025 debuts but will pick up as the series heads to more short tracks, a common place for a Truck Series debut. This list includes a second-generation driver, a late-model standout, and even a military pilot.

Giovanni Ruggiero

• Race: Daytona
• Team: TRICON Garage – No. 17
• Start: 34th
• Finish: 2nd

Alan Waller

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Reaume Brothers Racing – No. 22
• Start: 28th
• Finish: 31st

Ryan Roulette

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Freedom Racing Enterprises – No. 67
• Start: 34th
• Finish: 35th
• Notes: Retired After 73 Laps

Cody Dennison

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Reaume Brothers Racing – No. 2
• Start: 32nd
• Finish: 30th

Luke Baldwin

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: ThorSport Racing – No. 66
• Start: 27th
• Finish: 22nd

NASCAR Xfinity Series (5 Debuts)

The NASCAR Xfinity Series has seen a handful of interesting debuts in 2025. Their list includes a former open-wheel champion, a driver who dominated the Truck Series in 2025, an eye surgeon, and a Dirt Racing prodigy.

Christian Eckes

• Race: Daytona (Spring)
• Team: Kaulig Racing – No. 16
• Start: 3rd
• Finish: 12th

Baltazar Leguizamon

• Race: Circuit of the Americas
• Team: Joey Gase Motorsports – No. 35
• Start: 37th
• Finish: 37th
• Notes: Retired After 17 Laps

Corey Day

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Hendrick Motorsports – No. 17
• Start: 8th
• Finish: 21st

Patrick Staropoli

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Sam Hunt Racing – No. 24
• Start: 33rd
• Finish: 16th

Vicente Salas

• Race: Rockingham
• Team: Alpha Prime Racing – No. 45
• Start: 36th
• Finish: 24th

NASCAR Cup Series (4 Debuts)

The Cup Series debut list is hands down the most decorated group here. This list includes an Indianapolis 500 winner, an IMSA and IndyCar veteran, a future star of NASCAR, and a short-track champion.

Helio Castroneves

• Race: 2025 Daytona 500
• Team: Trackhouse Racing – No. 91
• Start: 41st
• Finish: 39th
• Notes: Used Provisional to Make Race, Retired After 70 Laps

Connor Zilisch

• Race: Circuit of the Americas
• Team: Trackhouse Racing – No. 87
• Start: 14th
• Finish: 37th
• Notes: Retired After 49 Laps

Katherine Legge

• Race: Phoenix (Spring)
• Team: Live Fast Motorsports – No. 78
• Start: 37th
• Finish: 30th
• Notes: Retired After 210 Laps

Burt Myers

• Race: Martinsville (Spring)
• Team: Team AmeriVet – No. 50
• Start: 38th
• Finish: 36th

This list will be updated race to race as the season continues.