Leland Dillon Honeyman Jr. Bio
Leland Dillon Honeyman Jr. (born February 23, 2005) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the ARCA Menards Series and part-time in both the ARCA Menards Series East and West, driving the No. 20 Toyota for Nitro Motorsports. Honeyman has also raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Early Life and Background
Leland Honeyman was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He began racing at an exceptionally young age, starting with quads at just two years old. By the age of four, he was competing in International Trophy Karts and later progressed to Jr. Trucks and Off Road Jr. Trucks, where he won three championships. On his eighth birthday, Honeyman entered his first go-kart race and went on to win three championships in karting.
In 2017, Honeyman won the Bandolero championship in the INEX series, marking an early milestone in his racing career. His formative years were marked by steady progression through various youth racing categories, building a strong foundation for his transition to stock car racing.
Path to NASCAR
Honeyman’s early success in regional and developmental series paved the way for his entry into NASCAR’s national touring series. In 2019, he competed in two races of the CARS Tour, gaining valuable experience in late model stock car racing. By 2021, he was competing in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series, where he finished runner-up in the championship and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
His performances caught the attention of NASCAR teams, leading to opportunities in the ARCA Menards Series and eventually the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Xfinity Series. These steps marked his transition from regional racing to the national NASCAR stage.
Leland Dillon Honeyman Jr. Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Honeyman’s early career was highlighted by success in youth and regional racing series. After winning the Bandolero championship in 2017, he moved into late model stock car racing. In 2021, he finished second in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series and was named Rookie of the Year. That same year, he won the Fall Brawl race, a notable victory in his early stock car career.
These achievements established Honeyman as a promising young talent and helped him secure rides in higher-level series. His development was supported by participation in competitive regional tours and late model events.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2022–Present)
In 2022, Honeyman competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East with Young’s Motorsports, driving the No. 02 car. He earned five top-ten finishes and finished third in the points standings, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the season. Concurrently, he raced full-time in the ARCA Menards Series and part-time in the ARCA Menards Series West, driving the No. 20 Toyota for Nitro Motorsports.
Honeyman’s ARCA career has been marked by steady progress and adaptability across different tracks and competition levels. His time in ARCA has provided valuable experience and exposure, preparing him for further advancement in NASCAR’s national series.
NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series Experience (2022–Present)
Honeyman made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in late 2022 at Bristol Motor Speedway, starting 31st and finishing 29th. In 2023, he joined Alpha Prime Racing part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 45 car. He made his debut at Phoenix Raceway and recorded several mid-pack finishes. Despite a setback at Portland due to food poisoning, Honeyman continued to gain experience in the series.
In 2024, Honeyman signed with Young’s Motorsports to drive the No. 42 car full-time in the Xfinity Series. He achieved his first top-five finish with a fourth place at Talladega, signaling his growing competitiveness. For 2025, he is set to drive part-time in the No. 70 Chevrolet SS for the rebranded Cope Family Racing team, sharing duties with Thomas Annunziata.
Driving Style and Strengths
Leland Honeyman is known for his adaptability across various racing formats and track types. His early success in off-road and karting disciplines contributed to his race craft and vehicle control. Honeyman has demonstrated strong qualifying skills and consistency in race finishes, benefiting from collaborations with experienced teams and crew chiefs.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Honeyman’s career include winning the 2021 Fall Brawl and earning Rookie of the Year honors in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series. His first Xfinity Series top-five finish at Talladega in 2024 stands out as a significant achievement at the national level. These moments highlight his progression and potential in professional stock car racing.
Leland Dillon Honeyman Jr. Career Wins
Honeyman’s verified wins include regional and late model events, with his most notable victory being the 2021 Fall Brawl. While still early in his career, his consistent performances and race wins in developmental series have laid a solid foundation for future success in higher-tier NASCAR competitions.
Carolina Pro Late Model Series Highlights
In the Carolina Pro Late Model Series, Honeyman earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and finished as the championship runner-up. His performance in this series showcased his ability to compete at a high level and adapt quickly to stock car racing.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond late model racing, Honeyman has claimed three championships in off-road Jr. Truck series and multiple karting titles. These early career successes contributed to his development as a versatile and skilled driver.
Leland Dillon Honeyman Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Honeyman’s family background and racing lineage are not publicly available. His early start in racing suggests strong support and encouragement from his family during his formative years.
Personal Life
Information regarding Honeyman’s personal life, including marital status and residence, is not publicly disclosed. He remains focused on advancing his professional racing career.
2025 Season Performance
For the 2025 season, Leland Honeyman will drive part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the newly rebranded Cope Family Racing team, piloting the No. 70 Chevrolet SS. He is scheduled to share the ride with Thomas Annunziata, with Honeyman driving in seventeen races. This opportunity reflects his continued growth and presence in NASCAR’s national series.
Honeyman’s 2025 campaign is expected to build on his previous experience, with aims to secure more top finishes and establish himself as a consistent competitor. His partnership with Cope Family Racing will be a key factor in his development and success moving forward.
