What’s Happening?

The first domino of the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Silly Season fell earlier this weekend when Niece Motorsports parted ways with Kaden Honeycutt. Now, with a top ride open in the series, several drivers could make the jump to Niece and even the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025.

What is Niece Looking For?

Honeycutt and Niece were no strangers to each other prior to this season. Honeycutt, a 22-year-old Texas Native, made his debut racing part-time with Niece last season. However, the team and Honeycutt are headed their separate ways, as the team announced earlier this week.

Niece claims that Honeycutt is headed to a new team and OEM in 2026. While this is an odd choice to make, especially with a playoff race for both the driver and the team on the way, the team cited it as a move for the future. Per Niece, “Making this change allows our team the opportunity to begin building for next year.”

pic.twitter.com/xDNQpqa0iD

— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) August 4, 2025

So, with Honeycutt in the rearview mirror, Niece made what they deem a sacrifice for the future. Of course, this future will be built on a new driver, so what are some options?

Bayley Currey

First, whenever there is talk of an open ride at Niece, Bayley Currey’s name is in the mix. In fact, the 28-year-old is signed on to be the team’s full-time replacement for Honeycutt following Watkins’ Glen.

Currey has made 56 career starts for the team, most of which have come as a reliable part-time and unofficial reserve driver. Currey raced full-time for Niece in 2024 and was ultimately replaced by Honeycutt as the team’s full-time third driver in 2025.

Though his stats don’t pop off the page, Currey is a consistent and safe bet to bring the truck home. While sponsorship could be a problem for Currey, it is not the only issue he is facing, as it is more likely that Niece will be looking for a young prospect who can fill the void left by a driver like Honeycutt.

Andres Perez de Lara

If Niece wants a young driver with sponsorship, and one with ties to Chevrolet, Andres Perez de Lara could fit the bill.

The 20-year-old former ARCA Menards Series champion is in his first full-time Truck Series season with Spire Motorsports. Though he has failed to meet the lofty expectations placed on former ARCA champions, Perez de Lara is still young and figuring out the series.

But despite seemingly loyal sponsorship from Mexican communications company Telcel, Perez de Lara has been in the rumor mill lately. This rumor claims that Spire is looking to downsize its four-truck Truck Series operation, and Perez de Lara could be the odd man out before the season ends.

Of course, it’s important to note that these rumors are currently unconfirmed by all parties involved. Still, if Perez de Lara were in need of a ride, the Chevrolet driver would be a suitable option for the team.

Lavar Scott

If Niece wanted to go in a different yet similar direction from Perez de Lara, his former REV Racing teammate, Lavar Scott, could be a real option for the team.

Scott, a New Jersey native, is in his second full-time season in the ARCA Menards Series and finished runner-up to Perez de Lara in 2024. Though Scott sits third in ARCA points as of press time, he posts the best average finish of all full-time drivers in the series.

But perhaps most importantly, Scott has shown that he is ready for the NASCAR National Series, putting up a solid performance in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Dover Motor Speedway in July. During that weekend, Scott qualified 22nd, the best of all Alpha Prime drivers, and finished 28th.

An emotional @LavarScott after locking himself into his first career @NASCAR_Xfinity Series start. He will be the highest starting Alpha Prime Racing driver this afternoon. #BetRivers200 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/iDxTi54GXz

— Alpha Prime Racing (@TeamAlphaPrime) July 19, 2025

But, if Niece were to pull a driver from ARCA, some fans already feel there is a clear option for the team.

Brendan Queen

Brendan ‘Butterbean’ Queen may not be the youngest driver in ARCA, but in his rookie season with Pinnacle Racing Group, Queen is setting the pace for the 2025 season.

Through 13 races, Queen has a series-best five wins and a 24-point lead over second-place Lawless Alan in series points.

However, if the 27-year-old were to win the title, it would not be his first major touring series championship, as Queen won the 2024 CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car championship over the likes of Toyota’s Brent Crews and JR Motorsports’ Connor Hall.

While no rumors tied Butterbean to the No. 45, fans immediately pointed to him as a prime candidate for the ride. Of course, his experience in the Truck Series is minimal, with just four starts and an average finish of 14.8, helped by a best finish of fourth, his only top ten in the series.

Nevertheless, these are just a few options for Niece to consider. Ultimately, factors like age, sponsorship, and skill will play into the decision, one that will need to set Niece up to be a winner in the Truck Series once again.

Tell us who you think should drive the No. 45 next season! Join the discussion on Discord or X, and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more updates.