Niece Motorsports has announced a surprise midseason driver change. The team has parted ways with playoff contender Kaden Honeycutt, who is sixth in points, after he signed a different deal for the 2026 season.
"Niece Motorsports has released Kaden Honeycutt from his driving duties for the organization, effective immediately," the team said in a Monday statement. "Connor Zilisch will pilot the No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado at Watkins Glen. Bayley Currey will serve as the driver for the remainder of the season beginning at Richmond.
"Phil Gould will remain as the crew chief, with no other personnel changes on the team. Honeycutt has signed a contract to race with a different Truck Series organization and OEM in 2026 -- making this change allows our team the opportunity to begin building for next year."
Based on a post on X, Honeycutt did not expect to lose his seat. He made a post thanking team owners in a different racing series. He ended it with "Onto Watkins Glen."
— Kaden Honeycutt (@KadenWHoneycutt) August 4, 2025
Honeycutt first joined Niece Motorsports for a part-time schedule last season. He made 14 starts while posting six top-10 finishes and two top-fives. He ended the season with an average finish of 14.9 and then he improved the mark to 13.1 in 16 starts this season.
Honeycutt, a Texas native, put himself solidly above the playoff cutline this season while driving for Niece Motorsports. He posted nine top-10 finishes and two top-fives in the No. 45 Chevrolet, and he left Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park sixth in the Truck Series standings.
Now, the team will move forward with Currey as the primary driver of the No. 45 Chevrolet. The team will strive to compete for an owners' championship now that the drivers' championship is out of the question.
Honeycutt, for comparison, can still remain alive in the drivers' playoffs. He just needs to find a ride for Watkins Glen International and the rest of the season so that he does not have to request any playoff waivers.