Brayton Laster Bio
Brayton Laster (born August 28, 2002) is an American professional stock car racing driver known by the nickname “the Pizza Man.” He has competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 0 and 06 cars for Wayne Peterson Racing. Laster is recognized for his vibrant personality and unique racing style, which have made him a notable figure in American motorsports.
Early Life and Background
Brayton Laster was born in Greenwood, Indiana, United States. He began his racing career at the age of eight, starting with go-karts at the Indianapolis Speedrome. His early exposure to racing was supported by his family, with his father Dane recalling the challenging conditions of the vehicles Brayton drove in his formative years. Laster’s passion for racing was evident from a young age, and he progressed through various stock car classes, including Ford Thunderbirds.
Throughout his early career, Laster embraced racing superstitions in a satirical way, choosing to drive the No. 13 car painted green—both considered unlucky in racing circles. His education includes studies in business through Liberty University as an online student, balancing academics with his racing ambitions.
Path to NASCAR
Laster’s path to NASCAR began with his success in regional racing circuits. In 2018, he earned the Rookie of the Year award at Brownstown Speedway in the Super Late Model division, marking a significant milestone in his early career. This achievement helped him gain recognition and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
He made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2022 with Reaume Brothers Racing at the Clean Harbors 150 in Knoxville. Starting 31st, he finished 27th, gaining valuable experience in a national NASCAR series. This debut was a key step in his transition from regional racing to the national stage.
Brayton Laster Career
Early Career (2010–2021)
Laster’s early career was marked by steady progression through go-karts and various stock car series. Beginning at age eight, he developed his skills over several years, culminating in notable success at Brownstown Speedway where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2018. His early vehicles were often described as makeshift, requiring him to learn both driving and mechanical skills to remain competitive.
During this period, Laster cultivated a reputation for determination and adaptability, traits that would serve him well as he moved into more competitive series. His choice of car number and paint scheme reflected his playful approach to racing superstitions.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Brayton Laster made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2022 at the Lucas Oil 200 held at Daytona International Speedway, driving the No. 03 car for Mullins Racing. He delivered a strong performance, finishing 13th in his first race. In 2023, he continued to compete in ARCA events with multiple teams including Fast Track Racing and Rise Motorsports, achieving three top-ten finishes while driving the No. 31 car.
In 2024, Laster expanded his ARCA participation, driving for several teams such as TC Motorsports, MAN Motorsports, Fast Track Racing, Rise Motorsports, and Wayne Peterson Racing. Despite failing to qualify for the Daytona race with MAN Motorsports, he secured a best finish of ninth at Salem Speedway. His consistent performances earned him eighth place in the ARCA Menards Series points standings for the season.
Wayne Peterson Racing Era (2024–Present)
On October 30, 2024, it was announced that Brayton Laster would run full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2025 with Wayne Peterson Racing, driving the No. 0 and 06 cars. This move marks a significant commitment to his racing career, providing stability and the opportunity to build momentum in the series. Laster’s tenure with Wayne Peterson Racing is anticipated to be a defining phase as he seeks to improve his results and establish himself as a competitive driver in ARCA.
Driving Style and Strengths
Laster is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, which suits a variety of track types. His ability to adapt to different vehicles and conditions, combined with his strategic approach to races, has helped him secure solid finishes. His colorful personality and rapport with crew members contribute positively to his racecraft and team dynamics.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Laster’s career include his ARCA debut at Daytona in 2022 with a 13th-place finish and his Rookie of the Year award at Brownstown Speedway in 2018. His NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2022 also stands out as a significant step in his progression to higher levels of stock car racing.
Brayton Laster Career Wins
While Brayton Laster has yet to secure a victory in national series, he has demonstrated consistent improvement and competitive performances in the ARCA Menards Series and regional racing events. His top-ten finishes in ARCA races highlight his potential for future wins as he gains experience and resources.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Laster’s ARCA career includes multiple top-ten finishes, notably three consecutive top tens in 2023 while driving for Rise Motorsports. His debut at Daytona in 2022 resulted in a respectable 13th-place finish, showcasing his ability to compete on superspeedways. His best finish in 2024 was ninth at Salem Speedway, reflecting steady progress in the series.
Other Wins & Performances
In regional racing, Laster earned the 2018 Rookie of the Year award at Brownstown Speedway in the Super Late Model division, underscoring his early talent and dedication. His debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2022 added valuable experience, although he did not finish in the top positions.
Brayton Laster Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Brayton Laster’s family background are limited, but his father Dane has been noted for supporting his early racing career. The family played a role in helping him develop mechanical skills and resilience by working with challenging equipment during his formative years.
Personal Life
Brayton Laster is nicknamed “the Pizza Man” due to his well-known love of pizza, a passion that began during his childhood at the Indianapolis Speedrome where pizza was sold at concessions. This nickname followed him through middle school and into his racing career, becoming a distinctive part of his identity. He has pursued higher education online at Liberty University, studying business while advancing his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Brayton Laster is set to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Wayne Peterson Racing. This season represents a pivotal opportunity for Laster to build on his previous performances and establish himself as a consistent contender. With a full-time ride, he aims to improve his points standing and secure more top-ten finishes.
Team dynamics and crew chief relationships will be crucial as Laster seeks to maximize his performance. His experience across multiple teams in prior seasons provides a foundation for adapting quickly and capitalizing on race strategies. The 2025 season outlook is optimistic as Laster continues to develop his skills and pursue greater success in stock car racing.
