Ross Chastain Returns to Niece Motorsports for 2026 Truck Series Campaign

Veteran driver set for expanded schedule with Niece Motorsports in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, with the truck and track broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Chastain's return to Niece Motorsports promises an exciting 2026 Truck Series season, with the driver's talent and the team's capabilities coming together in a dynamic visual representation.Salisbury Today

Ross Chastain is back with Niece Motorsports, gearing up for a busier schedule in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. With plans to drive the No. 45 Chevrolet in more races, Chastain is ready to capitalize on new competition guidelines that allow him to enter up to eight races in other national series. This marks a significant step forward for the Cup Series regular, who has already achieved success with Niece, winning all five of his Truck Series victories with the team.

Why it matters

Chastain's return to Niece Motorsports is a boost for the team, as they look to build on their past success together in the Truck Series. The expanded schedule will give Chastain more opportunities to showcase his talent and potentially earn additional victories, further cementing his status as one of the top drivers in the series.

The details

Veteran crew chief Phil Gould will lead the No. 45 Chevy team, with Chastain sharing the seat with 19-year-old newcomer Landen Lewis, the CARS Tour Late Model Stock champion, and a third driver yet to be announced. The organization is also set to reveal primary partners for the No. 45 team soon.

  • The Craftsman Truck Series kicks off its 2026 campaign on February 13 at Daytona International Speedway.

The players

Ross Chastain

A Cup Series regular who has achieved success with Niece Motorsports, winning all five of his Truck Series victories with the team.

Phil Gould

The veteran crew chief who will lead the No. 45 Chevy team.

Landen Lewis

A 19-year-old newcomer and the CARS Tour Late Model Stock champion, who will share the seat of the No. 45 Chevy with Chastain.

Niece Motorsports

The team that Chastain is returning to for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Chastain's return to Niece Motorsports and his expanded schedule in the Truck Series will provide him with more opportunities to showcase his talent and potentially add to his already impressive list of victories with the team. This move is a positive step for both Chastain and Niece Motorsports as they look to build on their past success and compete for championships in the 2026 season.