Tristan McKee joins JR Motorsports in 2027 with future plans for full-time ride

Tristan McKee has signed a multi-year deal with JR Motorsports, signaling his potential future in full-time NASCAR competition, according to a press release issued on Friday. The 16-year-old rising star will begin competing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series part-time in 2027, piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet. Over the next two years, McKee will continue to participate in racing events on a part-time basis, concluding his part-time schedule in 2028.

He will then become eligible for a full-time schedule with JR Motorsports starting in 2029. This announcement sets McKee on a clear trajectory toward the pinnacle of the sport, placing him alongside one of the most successful teams in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Despite his relatively young age, McKee has already amassed an impressive career record. During his time with Spire Motorsports, the 16-year-old secured the 2026 ARCA Menards Series East championship, securing four race victories. Furthermore, McKee claimed the 2025 Trans Am Series TA2 championship, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this milestone.

McKee’s talents have also been on display in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he has secured a top 10 finish in all three of his races, including a fifth-place result at the prestigious Bristol Motor Speedway in September. This milestone makes him the youngest driver to achieve a top five finish in a national touring series. These accomplishments have positioned McKee as one of NASCAR’s most promising prospects.

JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, and Rick Hendrick, has a history of developing competitive drivers. The organization views McKee as another promising talent who can evolve into a formidable racer in the coming years. McKee is scheduled to make his debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Bristol on August 13, 2027, and will subsequently continue with a part-time schedule as he gains experience and hones his skills within the team.

Dale Earnhardt-Miller expressed the team's enthusiasm for supporting McKee’s development while vying for race victories and championships.

While McKee transitions to JR Motorsports, he will continue his part-time affiliation with Spire Motorsports. He is expected to compete in the Truck Series, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire in 2027. Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, sees this move to JR Motorsports as a crucial step in McKee’s development journey.

For McKee, this agreement provides a long-term roadmap and a platform to learn from a well-established organization. With an already successful career under his belt, the upcoming seasons will be pivotal as he prepares for a full-time NASCAR career.