Niece Motorsports Overview
Niece Motorsports is an American professional stock car racing team competing primarily in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2016 and based in Salisbury, North Carolina, the team is owned by Josh Morris and Greg Fowler. Niece Motorsports fields multiple Chevrolet Silverado trucks, including the No. 42, 45, and others, with a roster of various drivers. The team is recognized for its focus on developing emerging talents and has secured nine wins in the Craftsman Truck Series since its inception.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Niece Motorsports was established in 2016 with the goal of competing in professional stock car racing, particularly within NASCAR’s Truck Series. The team was founded by Josh Morris and Greg Fowler, who aimed to build a competitive racing organization based in Salisbury, North Carolina. From the outset, the team focused on assembling a skilled operational structure, including experienced crew members and drivers, to establish a strong presence in the racing community.
Initially, Niece Motorsports operated with a part-time schedule, gradually expanding its participation and resources. The founders emphasized Chevrolet as the manufacturer, aligning with a well-known brand in stock car racing. The early years involved building the team’s infrastructure, securing sponsorships, and developing competitive trucks to enter NASCAR events.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
Niece Motorsports made its debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2016, quickly establishing itself as a competitive team. The team expanded its operations by fielding multiple trucks and recruiting talented drivers to compete full-time and part-time. Technical alliances and partnerships helped improve the performance and reliability of their vehicles.
Over the years, Niece Motorsports broadened its scope to include participation in Dirt Late Models and Late Model Stock Cars, diversifying its racing portfolio. The team’s leadership focused on strategic driver development and operational excellence, which contributed to steady growth within the national racing series.
Niece Motorsports Competitive Journey
Since its inception, Niece Motorsports has steadily progressed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, moving from a new entrant to a team capable of winning races and competing for top positions. The team has participated in over 200 Truck Series races, achieving nine victories and multiple pole positions, though it has yet to secure a drivers’ championship.
Early Seasons and Development (2016–2018)
In its first seasons, Niece Motorsports focused on gaining experience and building a competitive foundation. The team fielded various drivers, including Casey Smith and T. J. Bell, who helped the team establish its presence. Early results included consistent finishes and gradual improvements in race performance.
The team made its NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2018 with Victor Gonzalez Jr. at Watkins Glen, marking an expansion into additional NASCAR series. During this period, Niece Motorsports began to attract sponsorships and enhanced its technical capabilities, setting the stage for future successes.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2019–2023)
The 2019 season marked a significant breakthrough for Niece Motorsports, highlighted by Ross Chastain delivering the team’s first Truck Series win at Kansas. Chastain’s performance included three wins, ten top-five finishes, and nineteen top-ten finishes, culminating in a second-place finish in the overall standings. This season established Niece Motorsports as a serious competitor in the series.
Following this breakthrough, the team continued to develop its driver lineup and technical expertise. Notable drivers during this period included Ty Majeski, Brett Moffitt, and Carson Hocevar. Hocevar, in particular, achieved multiple wins in 2023, including victories at Texas, Nashville, Richmond, and Homestead, securing a spot in the Championship 4 and finishing fourth in the final points standings.
The team also expanded its truck entries, fielding up to five trucks with various drivers rotating through the No. 42, 45, 41, 40, and 44 trucks. This expansion allowed Niece Motorsports to increase its competitive footprint and develop a broader talent pool.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
Currently, Niece Motorsports operates under the ownership of Josh Morris and Greg Fowler, maintaining a strong partnership with Chevrolet as their manufacturer. The team continues to field multiple trucks with a mix of seasoned and developing drivers, including Matt Mills, who is slated to drive the No. 42 full-time in 2024 and 2025. The team’s infrastructure includes a well-equipped shop in Salisbury, North Carolina, supporting its growing racing operations.
Looking ahead, Niece Motorsports aims to build on its recent successes by focusing on driver development, technical innovation, and strategic race execution. The team’s long-term goals include contending for drivers’ championships and expanding its presence across NASCAR’s national series.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Niece Motorsports is defined by its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and maintaining competitive consistency across multiple trucks. The team emphasizes adaptability, strategic race management, and technical precision, excelling on a variety of track types. Their focus on Chevrolet vehicles and strong team coordination contributes to their competitive edge.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for Niece Motorsports include its first Truck Series win in 2019 at Kansas with Ross Chastain, multiple race victories in subsequent seasons, and the development of drivers who have achieved significant individual success. The team’s expansion to field multiple trucks and participation in additional racing series also mark important organizational achievements.
Niece Motorsports Achievements and Results
Since its founding, Niece Motorsports has accumulated nine wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and secured two pole positions. While the team has not yet won a drivers’ championship, it has consistently competed at a high level and produced notable performances in key races.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
Niece Motorsports’ first Truck Series victory came in 2019 at Kansas with Ross Chastain, who went on to win two more races that season and finish second in the championship standings. Subsequent seasons saw additional wins, including multiple victories by Carson Hocevar in 2023. The team’s success in marquee events has established it as a competitive force within the series.
Conference Achievements
While NASCAR does not formally organize conferences within the Truck Series, Niece Motorsports has demonstrated strong performances across various regional and national events, contributing to its reputation and driver development efforts.
Divisional Achievements
The team’s participation in Dirt Late Models and Late Model Stock Cars complements its national Truck Series efforts, providing additional platforms for driver growth and competitive experience. These divisional engagements support the team’s broader racing objectives.
Series Achievements
Beyond the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Niece Motorsports has competed in the ARCA Menards Series and attempted entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Although wins have been limited outside the Truck Series, these efforts contribute to the team’s overall racing portfolio and experience.
