NASCAR Regional drivers to watch: Butterbean Queen, Isabella Robusto, others on the rise early in 2024

Over the first month or two of the 2024 season, many NASCAR Regional drivers have already built momentum with trips to Victory Lane at tracks around the country. For those who have the spotlight centered on them, there are a plethora of other competitors who have quietly put together strong starts in their respective disciplines.

Across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, here are five drivers who are the ones to watch as the season continues to progress.

Brenden "Butterbean" Queen

The 2024 season got off to a strong start for Butterbean before he turned a single competitive lap in a Late Model Stock; he was signed by TRICON Garage to make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway later this year.

Queen brings a stellar short-track resume to the Truck Series. Along with three track titles at Virginia's Langley Speedway, he also has claimed crown jewel Late Model Stock victories in the South Carolina 400, Hampton Heat and Thanksgiving Classic.

Another full season is ahead for Queen with the zMAX CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, where he is expected to be a favorite for the title.

Isabella Robusto

After waiting nearly a year to make her ARCA Menards Series debut, Robusto made a strong first impression in the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway.

The 19-year-old climbed as high as third and managed to pass competitors like Grant Enfinger and defending ARCA Menards Series West champion Sean Hingorani before settling for a strong, sixth-place run.

With several more races planned across the three ARCA divisions, Robusto will have plenty of chances to break through and score her first win.

Carson Loftin

One of the most promising talents from any region of Modified competition over the past few months has been Loftin.

The son of former competitor Brian Loftin, Carson has started to rack up victories in a Modified, but he also has started venturing into NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events.

Carson's first Tour start of 2024 saw him qualify 12th out of 34 cars. He will make sporadic appearances over the rest of the year as he looks to gain more experience.

Trevor Catalano

The first appearance for Trevor Catalano on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour went about as perfect as he could have expected.

Despite falling behind early, Catalano took advantage of several late cautions to methodically work his way through the field. By the time the checkered flag waved, Catalano was fifth.

He's joining his brothers Tommy and Tyler for a full NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season in 2024. With a top five already on his resume, he's looking to keep the momentum going at Richmond Raceway on March 29.

Landon S. Huffman

Huffman passed a major test during Hickory Motor Speedway's season-opener when he defeated defending NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion Connor Hall.

In the second of two Late Model Stock features on the night, Huffman ran down Hall during the closing laps before emerging victorious in an intense slugfest between the two competitors.

Expectations are high for Huffman as he embarks on a busy year with Pinnacle Racing Group, which has his father and former driver Shane Huffman serving as a crew chief and team manager.