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Spire Elevates Tristan McKee to NASCAR Truck Series for Five‑Race Trial

The team will run a short, evaluative schedule led by veteran crew chief Chad Walter to assess McKee’s transition after he turns 16.

Overview

  • Spire announced July 30, 2026 that McKee will make his Truck Series debut in the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 14.
  • The team confirmed four additional selected Truck starts in 2026 at New Hampshire (Aug. 22), Bristol (Sept. 17), Phoenix (Oct. 16) and Martinsville (Oct. 30).
  • McKee becomes age‑eligible for these events when he turns 16 on Aug. 3 and will only race on road courses and tracks 1.25 miles or shorter under NASCAR rules.
  • Chad Walter will serve as McKee’s crew chief and Spire says the five‑race plan is a measured development program meant to evaluate progress rather than demand immediate breakout results.
  • McKee’s rapid rise — youngest CARS Tour winner at 12, 2025 TA2 champion and multiple ARCA wins including a Watkins Glen debut victory — gives context for Spire’s investment and makes his performance across the five races a key marker for his next steps.