The Rookie of the Year fight in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rarely lacks intrigue, and this season is no different. Though the field is small, this year’s rookie class features a mix of short-track standouts, ARCA graduates, and rising prospects who are finally getting full-time opportunities.
Few drivers in this rookie class bring the grassroots pedigree that Brenden Queen does.
Known for his success in Late Model Stock competition, Queen, better known as “Butterbean,” has long been considered one of the most naturally talented short-track racers in the pipeline.
The challenge for the 28-year-old, however, will be another shift, this time from ARCA to Trucks.
So far, through the start of the season, Queen started on a high note at Daytona International Speedway, racking a commendable top 10 finish in seventh, but was hit or miss in the next two races.
However, drivers with Queen’s background often find ways to adapt quickly. If he hits the ground running, especially at tracks that come naturally to him like Martinsville or North Wilkesboro, he could emerge as a serious contender.
Cole Butcher enters the Truck Series rookie class riding a wave of momentum from the Late Model scene, where he has quietly built a reputation as a consistent frontrunner.
The 29-year-old Canadian has a knack for racing on short tracks, but a transition to the Truck Series will test his adaptability, particularly on larger intermediate tracks and superspeedways.
As of the early season, through three races, the No. 13 driver has recorded two top-15 finishes (both P14 results at Daytona and St. Petersburg) despite a costly DNF at Atlanta after starting sixth.
Still, his disciplined driving style could serve him well over a full season with ThorSport Racing.
Mini Tyrrell may not enter the season with the same level of hype as some of his fellow rookies, but that’s exactly what makes his case intriguing.
Often flying under the radar, Tyrrell has steadily climbed the ladder through regional competition (Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series, the USAC Eastern Midget Championship, the INEX Summer Shootout, the NASCAR Weekly Series, and the CARS Tour), making a name for himself with diehard short track fans.
In many ways, the driver of the No. 14 and his teammate Queen represent the classic underdog in the Rookie of the Year battle. But, without the spotlight of an ARCA Championship, Tyrrell has the freedom to develop race by race, which can be a valuable advantage in a long season.
Through three races this season, the 21-year-old has scored 45 points, highlighted by two top-20 finishes at Daytona and Atlanta, before a somewhat disappointing 28th-place finish at the St. Petersburg road course.
Last season set a high bar for this year’s rookie class, with Gio Ruggiero emerging as the 2025 Rookie of the Year. His win came in a year where Toyota dominated the manufacturers’ standings with 925 points and 14 wins, while TRICON Garage powered the No. 11 truck of Corey Heim to the owners’ and drivers championships.
Against that backdrop, this year’s rookie class steps into a far more competitive and established kingdom that, granted, no longer has Heim as the king.
With drivers like Butcher, Queen, and Tyrrell all entering full-time competition, there’s no obvious frontrunner just yet. And much like last season, it may ultimately come down to who is the most consistent, rather than who is the flashiest.
What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
