McKee Takes Major Step in NASCAR Career
Tristan McKee is taking another major step toward the top levels of NASCAR after signing a multi-year agreement with JR Motorsports, the organization announced Friday.
The 16-year-old rising star will compete part-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series beginning in 2027, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet. The plan calls for McKee to continue racing part-time through 2028 before becoming eligible for a full-time schedule with JR Motorsports in 2029.
The announcement gives McKee a clear path toward the sport’s upper levels while joining one of the most successful organizations in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
A Proven Winner at a Young Age
McKee has already built an impressive resume despite being only 16 years old.
The Spire Motorsports development driver recently captured the 2026 ARCA Menards Series East championship, winning four races during the season. He also won the Trans Am Series TA2 championship in 2025, becoming the youngest driver to accomplish that feat.
McKee has also made an immediate impression in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In three starts, he has finished inside the top 10 every time, including a fifth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. That result made him the youngest driver to earn a top five finish in one of NASCAR’s national touring series.
Those accomplishments have helped establish McKee as one of the sport’s most promising young prospects.
JR Motorsports Plans for the Future
JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt-Miller and Rick Hendrick, has developed numerous drivers throughout its history. The organization sees McKee as another young talent capable of growing into a competitive driver over the coming years.
McKee is scheduled to make his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Bristol on August 13, 2027. He will then continue with a part time schedule as he gains experience and develops within the organization.
Earnhardt-Miller said the team looks forward to helping McKee develop while competing for race wins and championships.
McKee Will Continue With Spire
The move does not end McKee’s relationship with Spire Motorsports. He is expected to continue making part time Truck Series starts for Spire in 2027, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado.
Spire co owner Jeff Dickerson described the move to JR Motorsports as an important next step in McKee’s development.
For McKee, the agreement provides a long term plan and an opportunity to learn from an established organization. With championship success already on his resume, the next few seasons will be important as he prepares for a full time NASCAR career
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