From his early days racing go-karts on acres of farmland to battling some of NASCAR’s finest in the Xfinity Series, Leland Honeyman Jr.’s story is one of passion, persistence, and family
He’s more than just a driver — he’s a reminder of what the sport is truly about.
And as he continues to climb, one thing is certain: Leland Honeyman Jr. is not just racing toward a checkered flag — he’s racing toward a future that once started as nothing more than a backyard dream.
At its core, NASCAR is a sport of emotion—raw, unfiltered, and unpredictable. Moments like the Honeyman-Alfredo clash remind us why fans tune in every week.
It’s not just about the checkered flag; it’s about the rivalries, the risks, and the human drama unfolding at 180 mph.
Whether you side with Honeyman, Alfredo, or neither, this incident underscores the intensity of the Xfinity Series—and how one moment can change everything.
Table of Contents
Leland Honeyman Jr. vs. Anthony Alfredo
A War of Words at Darlington
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway may have ended in disappointment for some, but it sparked a heated controversy that’s now dominating the motorsports conversation.1
The source? A fiery post-race interview with Leland Honeyman Jr., who didn’t hold back after a late-race collision involving Anthony Alfredo and Harrison Burton.
What followed was a passionate outburst, an accusation of disrespectful driving, and a string of viral clips that have ignited a fierce debate online.
Unfortunate way to end our good run. Didn’t realize I was behind the 25 when he was on old tires 100% my fault. Blessed to be able to carry an iconic paint scheme this weekend as well. Thank you to all my partners and team and sorry to everyone that was involved. pic.twitter.com/MYBDljVL60
— Leland Honeyman Jr (@Lelandhoneymnjr) April 6, 2025
The Incident: Chaos in Turn 1
With fewer than 20 laps remaining, the pressure was building at Darlington. Leland Honeyman Jr., driving with intensity, dove to the inside heading into Turn 1, trying to make a bold move that could gain him critical positions.
But in the chaos of the moment, he failed to notice Harrison Burton’s No. 25 car just ahead.
As Honeyman’s car tapped Burton’s rear bumper, the dominoes fell fast. Anthony Alfredo, caught in the crossfire, went spinning.
Honeyman was then forced into the wall. Just like that, both of their races were effectively ruined—a hard-fought afternoon turned to frustration in an instant.
Leland Honeyman Jr.’s Fiery Reaction
Shortly after the race, Honeyman unleashed his raw emotions in a video now making waves on social media.2
Speaking directly to the camera, he vented about the way Alfredo had raced him all day.
“He raced me like an ass all day,” Honeyman said. “There’s drivers meetings for a reason, and some people belong in them.”
In one particularly cutting line, he added:
“I’m not saying it was his fault, but he did race like a jackass.”
His blunt remarks were posted by motorsports journalist Dalton Hopkins on X (formerly Twitter), and the clip quickly gained traction among NASCAR fans and insiders.
Tension Boils Over: “Race How You Want to Be Raced”
Leland Honeyman Jr. did take responsibility for the initial contact with Burton, acknowledging he didn’t realize Burton was right in front of him.
However, that admission was quickly followed by a reminder of Alfredo’s role in escalating tensions throughout the race.
“Race how you want to be raced is what they said in the driver’s meeting today,” Honeyman emphasized, suggesting that Alfredo’s approach behind the wheel invited the retaliation.
This quote captured the spirit of NASCAR’s unspoken code among drivers—mutual respect and accountability. To Honeyman, Alfredo had violated that code.
Anthony Alfredo’s Struggles in 2025
While Honeyman’s remarks were controversial, they also drew attention to Anthony Alfredo’s disappointing season.
Through five races, Alfredo sits 32nd in the Xfinity Series standings with only 65 points, a staggering 281 points behind the leader.
His statistics paint a frustrating picture:
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1 Top-10 finish
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0 Top-5 finishes
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0 wins or poles
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Average start: 31.6
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Average finish: 26.0
For a driver with experience and expectations, those numbers are a far cry from competitiveness. They may also explain why tensions are running high—both on the track and in the garage.
The Psychology of Pressure: Darlington’s Tough Terrain
Darlington Raceway isn’t called “The Track Too Tough to Tame” for nothing. Its narrow turns, unique egg-shaped layout, and demanding surface test even the most seasoned drivers.
It’s a track that magnifies every mistake, and in a late-race shootout with tired tires, worn patience, and dwindling laps, small misjudgments become game-changing events. For Honeyman and Alfredo, it was the perfect storm—a combustible combination of desperation and rivalry.
Honeyman’s remarks about the driver’s meeting also raised eyebrows. These pre-race meetings are intended to review safety procedures, race etiquette, and situational awareness.
While not everyone takes them seriously, Honeyman’s comments suggested that some drivers may be ignoring the very warnings meant to prevent incidents like this.
His jab that “some people belong in them” wasn’t just a snide remark—it was a shot at Alfredo’s professionalism and racing IQ.
Leland Honeyman Jr: Social Media Reaction
As expected, social media exploded with opinions. Fans, analysts, and even former drivers chimed in with their takes on the wreck and Honeyman’s response.3
The fanbase appeared split, with some praising Honeyman for being candid and others accusing him of deflecting blame.
One fan tweeted, “Leland Honeyman is just saying what a lot of guys are too scared to say. Alfredo’s been reckless all season.”
Another replied, “You can’t slam into someone and then blame them. Come on, man. Own it.”
In NASCAR, where reputation and perception play a massive role, these conversations can follow drivers for weeks—or longer.
Rivalries in the Making?
Incidents like these often have lingering consequences. Whether or not NASCAR takes any disciplinary action, the tension between Honeyman and Alfredo could carry over into future races.
If either driver finds themselves in a similar position down the line, don’t be surprised if old wounds resurface.
Rivalries aren’t new in NASCAR. From Earnhardt vs. Waltrip to Harvick vs. Hamlin, these clashes often become defining narratives of a season. Could Honeyman vs. Alfredo be the next one?
As of now, NASCAR has not issued any penalties or statements related to the incident. However, if tensions continue to rise or if retaliation occurs on the track, the governing body may be forced to step in.
Officials have a duty to ensure safety, but also recognize the entertainment value that rivalries bring to the sport.
Still, there’s a fine line between drama and danger, and NASCAR must tread it carefully.
A Learning Moment for Both Drivers
Beyond the drama, the incident is a chance for both drivers to grow. For Leland Honeyman Jr., it’s a reminder of how quickly a race can slip away due to aggressive tactics. For Anthony Alfredo, it may be an opportunity to reflect on how his on-track behavior is perceived by others.
Both are still young in their careers, with plenty of time to earn respect and results. But the spotlight is on them now, and every move from here on will be scrutinized.
The next few races will be crucial. How will Honeyman and Alfredo respond? Will they keep their distance, clear the air, or escalate the feud?
For fans, it adds a layer of intrigue to what was already shaping up to be an exciting season. For the drivers, it’s a test of maturity, focus, and resilience.
One thing’s for sure: the cameras will be watching.
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Leland Honeyman Jr: From Backyard Thrills to Xfinity Dreams
The Spark That Lit the Fire: Racing in the Backyard
Before the lights, cameras, and roaring crowds of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, racing for Leland Honeyman Jr. was a much simpler affair.
It wasn’t about the sponsors or national exposure — it was about the thrill of speed on dusty backroads and homemade tracks, fueled by the bond between a father and son.
Growing up in a family that cherished all things with engines, Honeyman Jr.’s childhood was steeped in the essence of grassroots racing.
His father, Leland Honeyman Sr., was not a professional driver, but he was the kind of man who lived for the hum of a motor and the smell of burning rubber.
“My dad, he grew up on a farm and ranch with thousands of acres,” Honeyman Jr. recalled in an interview with TobyChristie.com. “He had go-karts, Camaros, anything you could imagine.” Those vast, open acres became the first racing grounds for a young boy who had no idea that someday, he’d be battling the best in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
A Gearhead’s Legacy: Leland Honeyman Sr.’s Influence
While Honeyman Sr. never took his talents to the national racing stage, his passion was no less significant. He was a true gearhead — the type who poured over engines in the garage not because he had to, but because he loved it.
Whether it was tuning up a Camaro or racing a friend through the pasture, his joy was always in the experience, not the accolades.
That mentality, that pure joy for motorsports, was imprinted on his son from the beginning. Racing wasn’t forced on Honeyman Jr.; it was shared with him, like a family heirloom passed down with pride.
From riding in go-karts to tinkering in the shop alongside his dad, it was clear early on that Leland Jr. had inherited the passion — and the talent — for racing.
Karting to Cars: The Evolution of a Young Driver
By the time most kids were just learning how to ride a bike, Leland Honeyman Jr. was already steering a go-kart like a seasoned pro. What started as backyard fun evolved quickly into something more competitive.
He entered his first karting events at a young age and began racking up experience — and wins — against kids his age.
As he progressed through different racing disciplines, including off-road and short-track competitions, it became clear to everyone around him that Honeyman Jr. had something special. Not just the skill, but the drive. He wasn’t just racing for fun anymore — he was chasing a dream.
Leland Honeyman Jr: The Leap to NASCAR
Climbing the Racing Ladder
Like many young racers, Honeyman Jr.’s path to NASCAR was paved with hard work, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
He worked his way up through the ARCA Menards Series and other developmental platforms before getting his chance to shine in the Xfinity Series.
As of the 2025 season, Honeyman Jr. finds himself racing part-time with Cope Family Racing in the Xfinity Series. The opportunity is a major step forward in his career — and one he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s definitely a life-long goal for me to be here right now,” he shared. “This year determines everything for me.”
That level of honesty reflects the pressure and excitement surrounding this chapter of his journey. Each race is a chance to prove himself, not just to fans or sponsors, but to the little boy who once tore around his backyard with nothing but dreams in his helmet.
Finding His Footing in the Xfinity Series
Transitioning into the Xfinity Series — one of NASCAR’s top national series — isn’t easy. The competition is fierce, the tracks are more complex, and the spotlight is much brighter. But Honeyman Jr. has held his own.
While he’s still seeking his first win, he already has one top-10 finish this season — a promising sign of what might come. That single finish isn’t just a statistic; it’s a statement. It proves that he belongs.
Even with limited starts, Honeyman Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance behind the wheel, consistently learning from every lap and every challenge.
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Eyes on the Future: A Rising Star to Watch
At just 20 years old, Honeyman Jr. is still in the early stages of what could be a long and successful NASCAR career.
While some drivers might feel the pressure of rising expectations, he seems to embrace it. He knows what’s at stake, and he’s putting everything he has into making this season count.
With more seat time, improved equipment, and continued support from Cope Family Racing, the potential is there for Honeyman Jr. to become a breakout name.
His style is aggressive but controlled, his attitude is humble but hungry — a combination that resonates with fans and veteran drivers alike.
Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced World
- Despite the excitement of being in NASCAR, Honeyman Jr. remains grounded. That humility is part of what makes him so likable — and so dangerous on the track.
- He doesn’t let ego steer the wheel. Instead, he stays focused, works hard, and lets his performance do the talking.
- “I just want to keep learning, keep improving,” he said in a recent interview. “There’s always something to take away from each race.”
- That mindset, rooted in his upbringing, will serve him well as he faces the ups and downs that every racer encounters. It’s a quality that’s rare in a world where speed often trumps patience.
- Every time Leland Honeyman Jr. straps into his race car, he carries more than just hope — he carries a legacy.
- The joy his father found in the simplicity of backyard racing still lives on in his son, now played out on national television in front of thousands of fans.
- But no matter how far he goes, or how fast he drives, part of Honeyman Jr. will always be that kid on the ranch — tearing through dirt paths, grinning behind the wheel, chasing a dream that once felt a world away.
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