Brayton Laster Bio
Brayton Laster (born August 28, 2002), nicknamed “the Pizza Man,” is an American professional stock car racing driver. He is best known for his full-time run in the ARCA Menards Series with Wayne Peterson Racing, where he has piloted the No. 06 entry. Born in Greenwood, Indiana, Laster has built a reputation for his colorful personality and his hard-charging racing style, all while carrying a memorable nickname tied to his lifelong love of pizza.
Laster began racing go-karts at the age of eight and progressed through several stock car divisions before reaching the ARCA Menards Series. In addition to his ARCA work, he has made starts in the ARCA Menards Series East, the ARCA Menards Series West, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, demonstrating his willingness to compete across the NASCAR ladder. He is also recognized for his 2018 Brownstown Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year award, which marked one of his earliest accomplishments on a regional stage.
Early Life and Background
Brayton Laster was born on August 28, 2002, in Greenwood, Indiana. Raised in a family that supported his interest in motorsports, Laster was introduced to racing at a young age. His father, Dane, played a key role in shaping his early racing journey, providing equipment and encouragement during his formative years in the sport.
Laster started racing go-karts at the age of eight at the Indianapolis Speedrome, where he developed the foundational skills that would carry him through his career. According to his father, the early equipment was unconventional and pieced together, with Dane Laster describing it as a “Frankenstein-esque vehicle.” Despite the humble machinery, Laster learned how to work on his race cars and extract speed, lessons that shaped his resourceful approach behind the wheel.
Outside of racing, Laster attended Liberty University as an online student, where he studied business. His education reflects an interest in preparing for life beyond the driver’s seat, while still dedicating significant time to his passion for competition.
Path to NASCAR
After several years in go-karts, Laster moved on to Ford Thunderbirds and other stock car classes at the age of twelve. This transition gave him valuable seat time in heavier, more powerful vehicles and allowed him to build a broader racing résumé. By his teenage years, he had earned regional recognition, including the 2018 Brownstown Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year award, which served as a springboard toward national-level stock car racing.
Laster’s progression through the stock car ladder included competition in the ARCA Menards Series, where he made his debut in 2022 at Daytona International Speedway. From there, he expanded into the ARCA Menards Series East and West, along with a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start in 2022, gradually establishing himself within the broader NASCAR ecosystem.
Brayton Laster Career
Early Career (2014–2021)
During his early career, Laster competed primarily at regional short tracks around the Midwest. He cut his teeth on local ovals, building a reputation for persistence and self-reliance, often working on his own cars between races. These formative years helped him develop a strong understanding of race craft, tire management, and mechanical sympathy.
His breakthrough moment came in 2018 when he was named the Brownstown Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year. The award highlighted his rapid development and positioned him for opportunities at higher levels of stock car competition. Throughout this period, Laster also embraced the superstitious traditions of the sport, opting to run the No. 13 along with green paint as a personal statement against racing superstitions.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Laster made his ARCA Menards Series debut in the 2022 Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway, driving the No. 03 car for Mullins Racing. He delivered a strong run in his first start, finishing 13th and signaling his potential on the national stage. He returned to the No. 03 entry for the 2023 Daytona season-opener, finishing 27th, and later joined Fast Track Racing at Charlotte, where he finished 19th.
During 2023, Laster drove the No. 31 car for Rise Motorsports in three ARCA Menards Series races, posting top-ten finishes in all three. In 2024, he made seven starts across multiple teams, including Fast Track Racing, Rise Motorsports, and Wayne Peterson Racing, with a best finish of ninth at Salem Speedway. On October 30, 2024, it was announced that he would run full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2025 with Wayne Peterson Racing, marking a major step in his career.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Debut (2022)
On April 28, 2022, it was announced that Laster would make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the Clean Harbors 150 at Knoxville with Reaume Brothers Racing. He started the race 31st and finished 27th, completing the event and gaining his first taste of NASCAR national series competition.
Wayne Peterson Racing Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Laster committed to a full-time ARCA Menards Series campaign with Wayne Peterson Racing. Throughout the season, he drove the No. 06 car and earned one top-ten finish, ultimately placing eighth in the championship standings. His consistency and continued development within the Wayne Peterson Racing program reflected a step forward in his competitive trajectory.
On March 4, 2026, it was announced that Laster would run a part-time stint in the ARCA Menards Series for 2026, driving for both Wayne Peterson Racing and Clubb Racing Inc. This arrangement allows him to remain active in the series while exploring additional opportunities within the NASCAR ladder.
Driving Style and Strengths
Laster is recognized for his aggressive driving style and his willingness to work hard behind the wheel. Having grown up racing equipment that demanded constant adjustment, he developed a strong mechanical understanding that helps him communicate effectively with his crew. His ability to adapt to different tracks and teams has been a defining strength throughout his ARCA career.
Notable Races and Milestones
Among Laster’s most memorable performances are his 2022 ARCA debut at Daytona, his trio of top-ten finishes with Rise Motorsports in 2023, and his ninth-place run at Salem Speedway in 2024. His 2025 eighth-place championship finish with Wayne Peterson Racing stands as one of the most significant milestones of his career to date.
Brayton Laster Career Wins
Across his ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series appearances, Brayton Laster has yet to record a feature victory. His results, however, include multiple top-ten finishes, demonstrating consistent competitiveness across various teams and tracks.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
In the ARCA Menards Series, Laster has recorded zero wins, five top-ten finishes, and zero pole positions across his career. His best championship finish came in 2025, when he placed eighth in the point standings with Wayne Peterson Racing. His first ARCA Menards Series race was the 2022 Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
Other Wins & Perfromances
Laster’s additional accomplishments include his 2018 Brownstown Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year award. Outside of NASCAR and ARCA competition, it was revealed on November 18, 2025, that Laster will attempt to race in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals with Zach Boden Racing, showcasing his versatility across different racing disciplines.
Brayton Laster Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brayton Laster comes from a supportive family with deep ties to motorsports. His father, Dane Laster, has been a central figure in his racing journey, providing both equipment and guidance during his early years in go-karts and stock cars. Dane has spoken openly about the makeshift nature of Brayton’s early race cars and the work ethic those experiences instilled in his son.
Personal Life
Laster is widely known by his nickname, “The Pizza Man,” a moniker inspired by his love of pizza that began at the Indianapolis Speedrome, where pizza was sold at the concession stands. The nickname, originally given to him by teachers in middle school, has carried over into his racing career and become a defining part of his public persona. He studied business online at Liberty University, balancing his education with his commitments on the racetrack.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 ARCA Menards Series season marked Brayton Laster’s first full-time campaign at the national stock car level. Driving the No. 06 for Wayne Peterson Racing, he competed in every event and steadily built his experience over the course of the year. His efforts resulted in one top-ten finish and an eighth-place result in the championship standings, the best points position of his career.
Laster’s season reflected the challenges and growth that come with a first full-time run. Working alongside the Wayne Peterson Racing crew, he focused on consistency and finishing races, two areas that are crucial for long-term development in stock car racing. His ninth-place run at Salem Speedway earlier in his career provided a benchmark for the type of performance he aimed to replicate on a weekly basis.
Looking ahead, Laster’s 2025 campaign sets the foundation for his 2026 plans, which include a part-time ARCA Menards Series effort split between Wayne Peterson Racing and Clubb Racing Inc. With continued seat time and a growing list of series appearances, his 2025 season represents a pivotal chapter in his ongoing ascent through the NASCAR ladder.
