PRESS RELEASE: Benning looking for sponsorship for 2026 Truck Series opener in Daytona

by Brock Beard / LASTCAR.info Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO: Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images

Norm Benning remains as determined as ever to take on the challenge of 100 laps under the lights in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener in Daytona. His extensive racing career and passion for aviation make his #6 a force to be reckoned with on the superspeedways. There, the path to victory lane is reached through careful maneuvering and precision passing – two learned skills of veteran drivers like Benning.

In each of his last five Daytona starts dating back to 2013, the popular owner-driver from Pennsylvania has finished on the lead lap and in the Top 20. His best finish of 14th came in 2015 and was matched in 2018. Last year, he nearly scored a Top Ten. When a multi-truck accident occurred on the final lap of the 2025 race, Benning crossed the line in 7th. But the caution came out earlier, and Benning was scored 16th behind several drivers who had wrecked.

This year, Benning hopes to race against Tony Stewart, who recently announced his own intentions of competing in the Fresh From Florida 250. When Stewart and Benning last crossed paths in 2013, Benning was congratulated by Stewart for his fender-banging duel with Clay Greenfield for the final transfer spot into the inaugural Truck Series race at Eldora. Stewart credited that moment for the success of the event at the track he owned. Benning’s truck from that night remains on display at the Eldora’s museum. Back at Daytona and on the Cup Series side, Benning and Stewart have raced each other in three editions of the Gatorade Duel in 2001, 2002, and 2010.

Next month at Daytona, Benning looks to battle Stewart’s Kaulig Racing RAM with a Chevrolet formerly belonging to Henderson Motorsports. This is the same superspeedway truck that was involved in a frightening incident last fall in Talladega. When an engine fire invaded the cockpit, Benning remained calm as he stopped on track, allowing him to escape with minor injuries. Like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes, the truck has since been repaired, but one piece is still missing - a sponsor. And with only days until Daytona’s entry deadline, he needs that funding fast.

To get your company’s name on Benning’s truck, contact him today for full details at normbenning84@yahoo.com.