A busy and productive year is ahead for 17-year-old T.J. DeCaire.
Not only is the Land O’Lakes, Florida, native a member of NASCAR’s 2024 Drive for Diversity class, but he also has a full zMAX CARS Pro Late Model Tour season lined up with Highlands Motorsports, which has won the last two Pro Late Model championships with drivers Luke Fenhaus and Caden Kvapil.
DeCaire spent the 2023 season trying to learn as much as possible about being efficient in full-bodied stock cars. Now that he is partnered with a strong Pro Late Model operation, DeCaire is ready to keep building upon the momentum from last year.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity,” said DeCaire, who will also compete in select Late Model events for Rev Racing this season as part of the Drive for Diversity program. “Lorin Ranier is the one who really put this whole thing together and I’m really grateful for him and everyone that’s been a part of this deal so far.”
Racing has been a part of DeCaire’s life even before he was born. His great grandfather, grandfather and brother all turned at least one competitive lap on a track, which laid the groundwork for DeCaire to follow in their footsteps.
After getting his start in go karts, DeCaire took on a much heavier schedule in 2022 by competing in Legends cars at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. He also broke into Pro Late Model competition that year, earning his first victory at Hickory Motor Speedway.
DeCaire continued to shine in Pro Late Models during the 2023 season by tacking on another win at Dillon Motor Speedway while also making his CARS Pro Late Model Tour debut. In four appearances, DeCaire finished inside the top-five three times, with his best run being a third at Dillon.
The initial transition from Legends into full-bodied stock cars was slightly peculiar for DeCaire as he adjusted to the heavier equipment. Despite this, DeCaire admitted the past two seasons have taught him many valuable lessons, particularly when it comes to conserving equipment for the end of a race.
Pairing up with Highlands Motorsports is something DeCaire believes will only lead to more on-track success. DeCaire knows there was a high standard set by Kvapil during his championship run, but he is determined to keep Highlands Motorsports at the top of the CARS Pro Late Model Tour standings for another year.
“There’s just a great group of guys [at Highlands Motorsports],” DeCaire said. “I’ve obviously got big shoes to fill with Caden doing such a great job last year. Hopefully we can go for the championship and emerge victorious just like he did.”
The first race for DeCaire in the Highlands Motorsports No. 96 will be the CARS Pro Late Model Tour season-opener at Southern National Motorsports Park on March 2.