Two weeks ago, Tristan McKee wasn’t even old enough to get his driver’s license.
Now, he’ll accelerate, brake and steer in a NASCAR race.
No need to remember the blinker!
At 16 years and 11 days old, McKee will become the second-youngest Truck Series driver ever during the Black's Tire 250 on Aug. 14 at Richmond Raceway. He’ll pilot the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports.
“I’ve worked for this opportunity my entire life, and I’m thrilled to take this next step in my career,” McKee said in a news release.
Only Casey Atwood — at 16 years and six days old in 1996 — appeared in a Truck Series race at a younger age.
The rest of the top five:
- Harrison Burton (16 years and 20 days)
- Gray Gaulding (16 years and 48 days)
- Sam Mayer (16 years and 50 days)
NASCAR does enforce age restrictions. Competitors must be at least 15 years old to compete in ARCA, which is McKee’s main circuit. He currently ranks first in the ARCA East standings.
The Truck Series mandates drivers be at least 16. It’s 17 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 18 in the Cup Series.
McKee signed with Spire’s development program in January 2025. He immediately looked the part of a top prospect, winning his ARCA debut at 15 years and five days old — second-youngest ever.
This season, he has collected two wins in six part-time starts in the main ARCA branch. He has four victories as a full-timer in ARCA East.
In the next few years, Spire hopes McKee rises to the Cup level. Michael McDowell talked about that timeline last spring.
“(McKee) is the real deal,” the 41-year-old said. “I’ve been asked a lot when I’m going to retire. I’m going to quit when he’s ready to go Cup racing, Lord willing.”
For now, McKee will suit up for Friday’s Truck race. Afterward, he’s slated for four more 2026 starts: New Hampshire in August, Bristol in September and Phoenix and Martinsville in October.
Oh, by the way, the Truck Series has seen a 16-year-old winner before. Current Cup driver Cole Custer found Victory Lane at 16 years, seven months and 28 days old in 2014.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 16-year-old to become 2nd-youngest NASCAR driver ever in Richmond Truck race