Kasey Kleyn Joined Nitro Motorsports for ARCA Debut
The 18-year-old driver has signed with Nitro Motorsports to pilot the No. 20 Toyota at Phoenix Raceway.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Motorsports
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Nitro Motorsports has officially added Kasey Kleyn to its driver lineup for the upcoming ARCA Menards Series West event at Phoenix Raceway. This appearance marks the 18-year-old's debut on the ARCA platform.
Why it matters
Kleyn is the first driver confirmed for the team's 2027 development program, which is designed to provide him with a partial competitive schedule across several major tracks.
Kleyn will compete in the No. 20 Toyota after finishing 35th in his 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Richmond Raceway. His upcoming 2027 schedule includes races at Daytona, Talladega, Kansas, Michigan, and Chicagoland speedways.
The players
Kasey Kleyn
He is an 18-year-old racing driver who began his national touring career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Nitro Motorsports
This racing organization manages a multi-series driver development program across ARCA and other stock car platforms.
The details
The announcement confirms Kleyn as the inaugural driver in Nitro Motorsports' expanded 2027 ARCA campaign. He previously gained national touring experience by competing part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series throughout 2026.
Timeline
Kleyn competed part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
Nitro Motorsports announced the addition of Kleyn on October 12, 2026.
Kleyn is scheduled to run a partial ARCA schedule throughout 2027.
Season Trajectory
This transition follows the established development model of using the ARCA Menards Series as a critical proving ground for young talent aiming for the national NASCAR series. Kleyn's 2027 schedule indicates a strategic effort to gain seat time at major intermediate and superspeedway venues.
Kleyn's entry into the No. 20 Toyota adds a new variable to the ARCA West field at Phoenix Raceway, impacting competitive expectations for the event. His 2027 schedule confirmation provides clarity on his primary focus for the upcoming racing calendar.
The takeaway
Young drivers entering the ARCA platform must demonstrate consistency to graduate to larger national series. Maintaining performance on intermediate tracks remains a key milestone for developmental success.
Further reading
Find more coverage of local racing developments in our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Frontstretch.
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Should young racing drivers prioritize development in secondary leagues before moving to major national circuits?
