Kaden Honeycutt will not be the defending champion like Ty Majeski, nor has he dominated the whole yr like Corey Heim, or spent a number of years racing Vans full-time like Tyler Ankrum.
As an alternative, Honeycutt is in his first full-time yr of competitors and he has by no means even gained a NASCAR Truck race earlier than. To make his state of affairs much more distinctive, the 22-year-old is ending the yr with a unique workforce than the one he began 2025 with.
A singular path to the finale
Kaden Honeycutt, Toyota
Photograph by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Photos
He was let go by Niece Motorsports in the course of the season after signing with a rival producer for 2026. Across the identical time, Stewart Friesen was sidelined after struggling critical accidents in a dust modified crash. Honeycutt was playoff-bound as a driver, as was Halmar-Friesen Racing through the proprietor’s championship. So, this uncommon pairing rapidly fashioned and collectively, they’ve steadily marched their manner by means of each spherical and made it by means of to the Championship 4.
“It is positively been wild,” remarked Honeycutt throughout Media Day availability. “I can promise you, I’m very grateful I made the choice that I made. I really feel like being with this Halmar-Friesen group has positively elevated their program and gave them a number of confidence understanding that Stewart (Friesen, co-owner) goes to come back again and be able to go along with this group.
“I actually did not count on to be on this place. I knew we have been being within the Playoffs, however I did not know precisely how we might be on velocity and if we really had the rivalry to be right here within the Championship 4. Undoubtedly been a variety of movement for positive however all of these feelings have simply been very completely satisfied on most likely the whole lot’s been going. Very lucky that we get to go and do what we’re doing proper now.”
On what these closest to him have mentioned about his profession trajectory, Honeycutt joked: “They might say it is a practice wreck (laughs), however actually, it has been actually a blessing for positive. The possibility that I acquired at Niece Motorsports has led to this second. My mother and pop have been an enormous a part of my life and the explanation why I am at. Now, they’re actually capable of get pleasure from it. I talked to him (his father) from time to time about what is going on on, what’s doing and now they simply get to get pleasure from with watching what I do. It’s been a very superior. Undoubtedly a heartfelt second for our entire household.”
Working with Stewart Friesen as they fly below the radar
Stewart Friesen, Halmar-Friesen Racing Chevrolet
Photograph by: James Gilbert / Getty Photos
Friesen himself has been deeply concerned with HFR’s playoff run, working carefully with Honeycutt, who mentioned he’ll miss racing for HFR.
“He is concerned in it a complete lot extra I believe the folks know, particularly the enterprise aspect,” Honeycutt revealed. “He hasn’t actually understood the enterprise aspect of it till he acquired injured, and he enjoys that, but in addition he actually needs to be within the automotive. It has been actually superior and this group has actually meshed collectively the final couple of weeks.
“It is positively going to be laborious leaving them after this weekend, however I believe I am going to have the ability to stroll of their hauler anytime after this weekend’s over. It is simply been actually superior. I am actually I am actually trying ahead to Stewart coming again subsequent yr and being robust sufficient to be in Daytona. We’re trying ahead to having him again.”
Honeycutt made his Truck Collection debut in 2022, however he wasn’t capable of safe a full-time journey till this season. In 58 begins, he has 5 high fives and 23 high tens, together with his career-best end of second coming only one week in the past at Martinsville.
He additionally seems like he is been flying below the radar this complete yr. “Oh, completely!” mentioned Honeycutt. “I really feel like I’ve been since I have been right here, so I do not suppose something will likely be totally different. Could be a little bit bit totally different after observe as a result of I believe others could have your opinion, however yeah, I really feel like we have been actually contender each week so I do not I would not say that this one can be any totally different.”
It is true. All eyes are on Heim and defending champion Majeski, with few pointing to Honeycutt as a possible champion within the making.
Not prepared to wreck somebody for the crown
Kaden Honeycutt, Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota
Photograph by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos
He now appears forward to Phoenix the place he is most likely going to need to win the race in an effort to win the championship. How far is he prepared to go win all of it for each himself and his non permanent workforce?
“Undoubtedly aggressive sufficient to not do something dumb and win it the proper manner,” mentioned Honeycutt. “I really feel like from the probabilities I’ve gotten to even be right here, I wish to be sure that I solidify myself on this collection as , clear racer that is aware of how you can get it performed the proper manner.
“I imply, if it comes right down to a green-white-checkered (additional time restart), and we’re all collectively, I will do no matter I’ve to do it but in addition going to ensure I do not wreck anybody the method and do it the proper manner like anyone else would wish to see that. We’re simply going to do what we acquired to do to ensure that Toyota brings it again whether or not it is me or Corey (Heim) on the finish of the day.”
This observe will not be unknown to Honeycutt, who has an honest report there. He completed ninth at Phoenix in 2022, eighth there in 2023, and seventh in 2024 — all with totally different groups — a pattern that may proceed this weekend.
In qualifying, Honeycutt ended up putting larger than the remainder of his title rivals, beginning fifth at Phoenix.
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