Nolan Wilson will return to the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway for the third consecutive year, teaming up with Cook Racing Technologies in the No. 42 Chevrolet, Wilson announced on Tuesday.
The 52-year old native of Sanford, Florida, has made two career ARCA Menards Series starts, both occurring at Daytona and Talladega in 2024. He attempted Daytona again in 2025, but failed to qualify for the event.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the 42,” Wilson said in the press release. “I’m excited to be working with Cook Racing Technologies at Daytona in 2027 and look forward to getting started at the ARCA test in January.”
“I am more focused than ever; I do this because I love to compete,” Wilson continued. “I’ve learned a lot since I returned to Daytona three years ago. With Bruce and the rest of the CRT team behind me, the 42 Chevy is going to be a rocket ship. The test can’t get here quickly enough!”
CRT has shown previous success in the ARCA ranks, winning two races in 2026 with NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Kaden Honeycutt, and the ARCA Menards Series West race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring with Taylor Mayhew.
“We are excited to have Nolan join CRT for Daytona,” said team owner Bruce Cook. “It’s always an asset to have two cars for the test and race. We expect big things in 2027 for our team.”
With the success of CRT, Wilson believes he will have a chance to compete for the victory in front of his hometown crowd. He previously competed at Daytona in NASCAR’s Goody’s Dash Series from 2000 to 2002.
“I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again…that track is like my second home.” Wilson added. “From family and friends, it has been a gathering spot my entire life. There would be no better feeling in the world than to drive the #42 CRT Chevrolet to victory lane at Daytona International Speedway.”
The ARCA Menards Series test from Daytona International Speedway will take place around mid January 2027, with the General Tire 200 taking place on February 20.
