A driver is set for his NASCAR debut this season after a team confirmed he would be running the first three road course races of the season for them.
The announcement this week came from Truck Series outfit Freedom Racing Enterprises, with the team revealing that their owner-driver Spencer Boyd would not be in the car for the races in St. Petersburg, Watkins Glen and San Diego.
Instead, it will be Nathan Nicholson in the No. 76 Chevrolet Silverado at those events, with the 19-year-old now gearing up for his first-ever NASCAR appearance.
The Bloomington, Indiana native does have experience elsewhere, however, having won multiple national karting championships, the 2022 NASA Spec Miata Championship, and the 2023 Spec MX-5 championship, earning himself a scholarship in the Mazda MX-5 Cup.
NASCAR TODAY: 23XI lands major partnership and Ross Chastain set for racing series switch
Nathan Nicholson set for NASCAR debut
In the statement that confirmed the news, team owner Boyd explained his decision to step away from the car for select races this year.
“Nathan is precisely the type of driver and person that our team wants to help advance our program,” said Boyd.
“We’ve been monitoring his progress and have been impressed with his performance. I believe Nathan has the personal character and driving potential that will turn heads in the garage as well as make fans instant followers of him.
"This is an important step in the trajectory of FRE as we make yet another step towards building a team that will compete at the highest level of motorsports for years to come.”
Whelen Engineering will be partnering with Nicholson and the team for his debut in St. Petersburg.
“We’re excited to continue our relationship with Nathan Nicholson as he takes this next step into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Freedom Racing Enterprises,” said Peter Tiezzi, General Manager of Motorsports for Whelen Engineering.
“We’ve seen his talent firsthand in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Series, and this is a great opportunity for him to showcase it on a new stage.”
READ MORE: Hendrick Motorsports announces four Cup Series stars will drive for different team this year
