NASCAR spotter Derek Kneeland to make ARCA East debut at Hickory Motor Speedway

Derek Kneeland, spotter for Kyle Busch, transitions to the driver's seat for his ARCA East debut with Pinnacle Racing Group at Hickory Motor Speedway.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 4:08 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Motorsport

From the Stand to the Seat

Derek Kneeland, a 39 year old native of Maine and a fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series spotter's stand, is set to make a significant career jump on Saturday, March 28. After years of guiding high profile drivers such as Kyle Busch and Austin Hill, Kneeland will compete in his ARCA East debut at Hickory Motor Speedway. He will drive the No. 28 entry for Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG), an organization where he has previously served as a developmental consultant for rising stars like Connor Zilisch and Brenden Queen.

Logistical Hurdles and Professional Support

The opportunity for Kneeland to race was not without its scheduling conflicts. The ARCA event coincides with the NASCAR weekend at Martinsville Speedway, meaning Kneeland will miss Cup Series practice and an O'Reilly Series race. However, he received immediate and enthusiastic support from his employers at Richard Childress Racing. Both Kyle Busch and Austin Hill signed off on the move, encouraging the veteran spotter to take advantage of what many in the industry consider a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Preparation and Development Program

Kneeland’s transition to the ARCA platform is backed by a rigorous preparation schedule. He plans to utilize a professional simulation rig provided by teammate Connor Mosack to familiarize himself with the car's handling characteristics. Despite having experience in Pro Late Models at Hickory through the Pro All Stars Series, Kneeland noted that the ARCA platform requires a different approach. He has also been studying footage from a 2011 Pro Cup race at the venue to better understand the heavier machinery he will be operating.