2026 Junior Series Championship Predictions

Every new season brings fresh optimism, but in the junior and feeder series ranks, championships are often decided by the ability to survive chaos. These 2026 junior and feeder series championship predictions focus on drivers who are either perfectly aligned with new formats, jumping up a level in performance, or simply are positioned better than their rivals at the moment. Motorsports are unpredictable so who know's how 2026 will go

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Justin Allgaier

Originally, Sam Mayer looked like my pick after what was arguably the strongest season of his career in 2025. However, the revised playoff format shifts the advantage toward drivers who can deliver steady results week after week, and that plays directly into Justin Allgaier’s hands.

Allgaier’s experience, consistency, and great race pace makes him one of the most reliable drivers in the NOAPS (I miss Xfinity) garage. JR Motorsports and Chevrolet remain a proven pairing, and year after year Allgaier shows he can contend for wins and rack up points efficiently. The one-race championship finale has historically been his stumbling block, but with the chase coming back this year, the odds tilt back in his favor.

The key question for 2026 is whether Allgaier can maintain elite-level consistency for yet another season and continue to outrun the inevitable conversation around age.

NASCAR Truck Series: Layne Riggs

With Corey Heim’s reign of terror over, the Truck Series appears ready for a new champion. Layne Riggs enters 2026 as the most logical successor after establishing himself as the second-best driver in the series last season.

Riggs has already shown race-winning capability, and more importantly, he has demonstrated the ability to stay out of trouble in a series that has become increasingly unpredictable. The Chase structure should further reward his consistency.

Building on two wins and nine top-three finishes in 2025, a championship would not only validate Riggs’ will accelerate his path toward a Cup Series opportunity in the next year or two.

NASCAR ARCA Menards Series: Leland Honeyman Jr

The ARCA Menards Series looks wide open on the surface, but in reality, only a handful of full-time drivers enter 2026 as legitimate title threats. Among them, Leland Honeyman stands out due to his experience across NOAPS and Truck competition.

That background should give Honeyman a big edge in ARCA where championships are often won and lost due to chaos. Isabella Robusto remains a close challenger, but over the course of a full season, I think experience will push him to the trophy.

If Honeyman avoids chaos and crashes, he should enter most weekends as the driver to beat.

Formula 2: Nikola Tsolov

Formula 2 has become increasingly volatile, with many questioning how accurately it reflects Formula 1 readiness. Even so, consistency and momentum still matter, and Nikola Tsolov enters 2026 trending in the right direction.

This prediction comes with an acknowledgment that the title fight could easily turn into a season-long duel between Tsolov and Camara. While Tsolov’s late-season F2 appearances last year showed some flashes, who knows how 2026 will go. I reall do believe in the Bulgarian but he must not be a Mecachrome victim.

Formula 3: Freddie Slater

Formula 3 appears to be Freddie Slater’s championship to lose. While I view Red Bull junior Fionn McLaughlin as his primary challenger, Slater’s overall package currently sets him apart from the field.

Despite F3’s reputation as a crash heavy and chaos filled series, there is little evidence suggesting a multi-driver dogfight similar to past seasons. Instead, the championship may hinge on reliability, avoiding mistakes, and capitalizing when others falter.

At this stage, Slater’s composure and pace advantage make him the most complete option over a full season. The future Audi driver will be one to watch this year.

Indy NXT: Lochie Hughes

Andretti Global continues to define the standard in Indy NXT, and within that environment, Lochie Hughes emerges as the strongest championship contender entering 2026 from their stable.

At 23 years old, Hughes combines maturity with raw speed, a combination that tends to thrive in Andretti’s system. While teammates that are rising prospects such as Max Taylor and Josh Pierson who are expected to show flashes, Hughes appears best positioned to convert speed into consistent podium finishes.

Myles Rowe is often cited as Hughes’ biggest threat, but the championship battle may ultimately hinge on the performance gap between Andretti and Abel Motorsports across the season.

Super2 Series: Nash Morris

Although the 2026 Super2 grid is still taking shape, Nash Morris enters the season as the clear early favorite after finishing third in the championship last year.

Morris’ strength lies in his consistency and race-to-race execution rather than dominance in any single area. That approach paid dividends throughout 2025 and positions him well as the series stabilizes its lineup.

A Super2 championship would significantly strengthen Morris’ résumé and open doors for a future step up to PremiAir Racing.