Who Are the Top Five NASCAR Prospects Out of New Jersey?

New Jersey isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of NASCAR powerhouses. While Martin Truex Jr.’s 2017 championship put Mayetta on the racing map, the Garden State has rarely been a breeding ground for stock car stars — until now. A promising new wave of talent is emerging from the region, with five standout drivers making serious noise in ARCA, Trucks, and other startup series in NASCAR’s pipeline. With a blend of youthful grit and deep family roots, they represent the strong group of Jersey-born drivers with bright futures in racing. As states like North Carolina, Florida, and California continue to dominate headlines, these rising stars are quietly and quickly putting New Jersey in the fast lane toward NASCAR’s future.

5. Stephen Mallozzi, Swedesboro, NJ – Age 24

Stephen Mallozzi’s path to NASCAR has been anything but traditional, but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. He was once a karting standout, but stepped away from racing before clawing his way back through pure determination and nonstop hustle. Since 2022, the former Outback Steakhouse server has made part-time starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Reaume Brothers Racing, often funding his efforts through grassroots sponsorships and his creative outreach. He doesn’t have a development deal or big-name backing, but he makes it work. Mallozzi is juggling life as a law student at Temple University while helping out at Reaume Brothers when he’s not in the truck. His work ethic and strong social media presence have helped him build a loyal fan base, and if the right ride comes along, Mallozzi might just turn his underdog journey into one of NASCAR’s coolest breakout stories.

4. Ryan Truex, Mayetta, NJ – Age 33

Okay, Ryan Truex might not be a “prospect” in the traditional sense, but he deserves a spot on this list as a key figure in New Jersey’s modern NASCAR legacy. The younger brother of Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., Ryan is a two-time K&N Pro Series East champion and an Xfinity Series race winner who’s still very much in the mix. He currently serves as a reserve driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and recently filled in for Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 Yahoo Camry when Hamlin missed the Mexico City race for the birth of his child. Ryan continues to make occasional Xfinity starts, and when he does, he’s usually a threat to win. His path hasn’t always been smooth, but nearly 20 years after his debut, his talent and drive are still opening doors. Truex remains one of the strongest ambassadors for New Jersey motorsports, and if the right opportunity comes along soon, he might just deliver that long-awaited Xfinity title. The clock’s ticking, but don’t count him out.

3. Paulie Hartwig III, Galloway Township, NJ – Age 14

Don’t let the age fool you — Paulie Hartwig III is already rewriting the record books. The 14-year-old made national headlines in 2025 when he became the youngest winner in SMART Modified Tour history, earning the respect of veterans across the Southeast. Hartwig regularly competes in both crate modifieds and asphalt modified events, showing race craft well beyond his years. With a resume that already includes wins against seasoned drivers, his trajectory toward ARCA and eventually the NASCAR ladder seems inevitable. He’s still too young to make the jump to the national touring series any time soon, but be on the lookout. It’s only a matter of time until this kid rises to the top! 

Honorable Mention – Frankie Muniz, Wood-Ridge, NJ - Age 39

He may be best known for starring in Malcolm in the Middle, but Frankie Muniz has swapped the script for the steering wheel, and he’s doing a lot more than just playing a racecar driver. Now 39, the New Jersey-born actor has made a real push into the racing world, competing full-time in ARCA in 2023 and full-time in the Truck Series with Reaume Brothers Racing this year. While his age and late start make it tough to crack the top levels of NASCAR, Muniz has shown legitimate skill behind the wheel and continues to turn heads with every opportunity he gets. His story might be unconventional, but it’s undeniably fun. There’s no denying the passion and effort he’s putting into chasing the dream.

2. Lavar Scott, Carneys Point, NJ – Age 21

Representing Rev Racing and NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity, Lavar Scott is doing more than just racing for himself; he’s breaking barriers. A dirt‑racing kid from New Jersey turned full‑time ARCA standout in 2025; he’s consistently finishing in the top five across all track types, showing off his adaptability and clean, pressure‑free driving skills. Now, as he locks in Xfinity Series starts at Dover, July 19, and Gateway, September 6, Scott is poised to take his momentum to a higher level. At just 21, he’s already putting together a resume that turns heads. If he keeps this up, he’s poised to lead not just New Jersey, but the African American community at NASCAR’s top level. A standout example of what the Drive for Diversity program is all about.

1. Thomas Annunziata, Colts Neck, NJ – Age 20

Few young drivers in the country have a resume as stacked and versatile as Thomas Annunziata. A former karting champ and road racing standout, he burst onto the national scene by winning two Spec Miata championships and scoring Mazda’s prestigious $75,000 scholarship. He went on to dominate the 2024 Trans Am TA2 Young Guns class and finished third in overall TA2 points before leaping over stock cars. In his ARCA debut at Daytona, Annunziata shocked the field with a runner-up finish, and just last week, he backed it up by winning at Lime Rock Park, grabbing his first ARCA victory and first stock car win in the process. Annunziata had made his NASCAR Truck Series debut with Spire Motorsports and signed a part-time Xfinity deal with Cope Family Racing so far in 2025. It’s a fast, rare rise for the 20-year-old from New Jersey. If he keeps this up, Annunziata might just be the state’s next big NASCAR breakout.

Conclusion 

While New Jersey hasn’t traditionally been known as a go-to spot for NASCAR talent, these five young drivers, led by Lavar Scott and Thomas Annunziata, are starting to change that narrative. No matter where they come from—dirt tracks, karts, road courses, family—each one brings something different to the table. As they chase wins and work their way up the ladder, they’re writing a new chapter in Jersey’s racing story. With the right backing, a good opportunity, and a little bit of luck, don’t be surprised if one of them ends up in Victory Lane on NASCAR’s biggest stage.