Brenden Michael Queen Bio
Brenden Michael Queen, born November 21, 1997, is an American professional stock car racing driver known by his nickname “Butterbean.” He competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. TBA Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing. Queen is the 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion and the 2024 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour champion, marking him as a rising talent in American motorsports.
Early Life and Background
Brenden Queen was born in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he developed a passion for racing at a young age. He began competing at just six years old in the legend division at Langley Speedway, his home track. His father, Mike Queen, was also a racing driver, providing early exposure and inspiration. Queen earned his nickname “Butterbean” from boxer Eric Esch due to a resemblance noted at birth and during his early years.
Queen attended Old Dominion University, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, which complements his racing career by deepening his technical understanding of vehicles. His early racing development was supported by Phil Warren, a seven-time Langley track champion who served as his crew chief in the mid-2010s.
Path to NASCAR
Queen’s racing career began on local tracks where he won three consecutive championships at Langley Speedway from 2020 to 2022. He also claimed the 2016 late model stock track championship at East Carolina Motor Speedway and the 2022 dirt late model track championship at Dixieland Speedway. These accomplishments established him as a formidable competitor in late model stock car racing.
In 2019, Queen made his ARCA Menards Series debut with Vizion Motorsports at Daytona. Although the team faced financial difficulties that year, Queen’s performance caught attention. He later joined Lee Pulliam Performance for the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, winning the prestigious 30th Annual Charlie Powell Memorial 400 in 2022, a major late model event.
Brenden Michael Queen Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Queen’s early career was marked by rapid progression through regional late model series. His ARCA debut in 2019 at Daytona showcased his potential despite limited opportunities that year. He continued to build his resume with multiple track championships and key victories in late model racing, including the South Carolina 400 in 2022.
His mentorship under Phil Warren and consistent success at Langley Speedway helped refine his racecraft and technical skills, preparing him for higher levels of competition.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2024–2025)
Queen returned full-time to the ARCA Menards Series in 2024 with Pinnacle Racing Group, driving the No. 28 Chevrolet. He captured his first career ARCA win at the season opener in Daytona and went on to secure multiple victories at Kansas, Michigan, Dover, Iowa, DuQuoin, Salem, and Kansas again. These wins culminated in him clinching the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship, a significant milestone in his career.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series (2024–Present)
Queen made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2024 at North Wilkesboro with Tricon Garage. In 2025, he competed in select Truck Series events with Spire Motorsports and made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Kaulig Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway. He impressed by leading laps and finishing in the top ten at Kansas. Kaulig Racing announced he would run full-time in the Truck Series starting in 2026, signaling confidence in his abilities at the national level.
Kaulig Racing Era (2025–Present)
Joining Kaulig Racing, a competitive team in NASCAR’s national series, marks a new chapter for Queen. His performances in 2025, including strong runs in both the Xfinity and Truck Series, have demonstrated his adaptability and growth. The partnership positions him well for future success and increased visibility in NASCAR’s top tiers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Queen is known for his versatility across different track types, excelling in late model and ARCA competition. His racecraft benefits from early mentorship and technical knowledge gained through his engineering studies. He shows strategic acumen in managing races and maintaining consistent performance, aided by strong team collaborations.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key highlights include winning the 2022 South Carolina 400, capturing the 2024 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour championship, and securing the 2025 ARCA Menards Series title. His debut wins and competitive runs in NASCAR’s national series further underscore his rising profile.
Brenden Michael Queen Career Wins
Brenden Queen has accumulated significant wins across multiple series, including the ARCA Menards Series, CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, and major late model events. His championship victories in 2024 and 2025 highlight his consistent high-level performance.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Queen’s ARCA career features his first series win at Daytona in 2024 and multiple subsequent victories at prominent tracks such as Kansas and Michigan. His dominant 2025 season earned him the series championship, marking a career-defining achievement.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to ARCA success, Queen won the 2024 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour championship and the 2022 South Carolina 400, showcasing his strength in late model racing. His early track championships at Langley Speedway and East Carolina Motor Speedway further demonstrate his competitive consistency.
Brenden Michael Queen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Queen’s father, Mike Queen, was also a racing driver, providing a family connection to motorsports. This background contributed to Brenden’s early interest and development in racing.
Personal Life
Queen is currently attending Old Dominion University, pursuing mechanical engineering. He is known for his post-race tradition of dining at Waffle House. His nickname “Butterbean” was given by boxer Eric Esch due to a childhood resemblance. Public information about his marital status or children is not available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a breakthrough year for Brenden Queen. He claimed the ARCA Menards Series championship with multiple wins and strong finishes. His debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series included top-ten results, and he competed selectively in the Truck Series. The season established him as a promising talent with a full-time Truck Series ride confirmed for 2026 with Kaulig Racing. His technical background and racecraft continue to evolve, positioning him for future success in NASCAR’s national divisions.
