--- title: "Kaden Honeycutt's long road ends with first Truck win, ARCA sweep at Watkins Glen" description: "In his 67th start, Honeycutt passes Zilisch in overtime, then celebrates a rare double victory that rewrites his career arc." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kaden-honeycutt-earns-first-nascar-truck-win-in-watkins-glen-moxrad7p published: 2026-05-16T07:02:26.611637+00:00 updated: 2026-05-16T14:03:16.481087+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["nascar"] --- # Kaden Honeycutt's long road ends with first Truck win, ARCA sweep at Watkins Glen > In his 67th start, Honeycutt passes Zilisch in overtime, then celebrates a rare double victory that rewrites his career arc. Kaden Honeycutt finally broke through for his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at Watkins Glen International, passing Connor Zilisch in overtime and holding on for the victory with Tricon Garage. The win came in his 67th career start, a long-awaited payoff for a driver who has grinded through the series without a trophy until now. To make the day unforgettable, Honeycutt also won the ARCA Menards Series race earlier in the afternoon, completing a rare double sweep on the same track. 'It's amazing,' he said, capturing the raw emotion of a breakthrough that cements his place as a driver to watch in the Truck Series playoff picture. The overtime restart saw Honeycutt execute a clean pass on Zilisch, who had led late, and then fend off a charging field through the final corners. The win injects fresh energy into the Truck Series, proving that perseverance and raw talent can still produce a feel-good moment that shakes up the standings. Honeycutt’s sweep at Watkins Glen also highlights the growing trend of drivers dominating multiple series in a single weekend, a feat rarely seen in modern NASCAR. His ability to adapt to both the ARCA and Truck Series cars on the same day underscores his versatility and potential as a future star in the sport. For Zilisch, the runner-up finish is a bitter pill after leading late, but it also marks another strong performance from the young driver. His consistency and speed suggest he’s on the cusp of his own breakthrough, setting up a compelling rivalry with Honeycutt in the seasons to come. The double win at Watkins Glen is a testament to the depth of talent in the Truck Series, where drivers like Honeycutt are pushing the limits of what's possible. It's a reminder that even in a highly competitive environment, there's always room for a new star to emerge and shake up the status quo. As the Truck Series heads into its next round, the momentum gained by Honeycutt and Tricon Garage will be a significant factor. The team's ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been a key factor in their success, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to evolve and compete in the playoffs. What's next: Honeycutt and Tricon Garage head to the next round with playoff momentum, while Zilisch will look to rebound from a runner-up finish that slipped away in overtime. ## Why this matters Honeycutt's double win—ARCA and Trucks on the same day—is the kind of career-defining moment that reminds fans why they love racing. It's a testament to perseverance after 66 winless starts, and it shakes up the Truck Series playoff picture with a new winner. This breakout injects fresh energy into the series, proving that raw talent and grit can still produce a feel-good story that resonates beyond the track. ## Frequently asked ### How many starts did it take Kaden Honeycutt to win his first Truck race? Honeycutt won in his 67th career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, making the victory a long-awaited breakthrough after years of grinding. ### What did Honeycutt accomplish at Watkins Glen besides the Truck win? Earlier in the day, Honeycutt won the ARCA Menards Series race at the same track, completing a rare double sweep that amplified the emotional impact of his first Truck victory. ### Who did Honeycutt pass to win the Truck race? He passed Connor Zilisch during an overtime restart and held off the field through the final corners to secure the win for Tricon Garage. ### How does this win affect the Truck Series playoff picture? Honeycutt's victory injects a new winner into the playoff mix, shaking up the standings and adding momentum for Tricon Garage heading into the next round. ## Sources & Citations - [Kaden Honeycutt earns first NASCAR Truck win in Watkins Glen overtime](https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-truck/news/kaden-honeycutt-wins-nascar-truck-watkins-glen/10819264/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-ALL&utm_term=News&utm_content=www) — Motorsport.com (2026-05-08) --- Cite: Kaden Honeycutt's long road ends with first Truck win, ARCA sweep at Watkins Glen. Sportopod, 2026-05-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kaden-honeycutt-earns-first-nascar-truck-win-in-watkins-glen-moxrad7p