The NASCAR community is always known for their driver’s adorable nicknames. From Wonder Boy and The Intimidator, to Smoke and Rowdy, there’s no dearth of monikers. However, amidst it all, one name that currently stands unique is “Butterbean“. 

Butterbean is the nickname for Brenden Queen. He has been on a roll and has snagged multiple wins last year and even won the Earnhardt Jr-owned CARS Late Model Stock Tour. He also won one of the biggest Late Model Stock Car races in the country, the Hampton Heat. Now he has his eyes set on making a fantastic truck debut driving for TRICON at North Wilkesboro.

But how did he get this nickname? He had an interesting story to share.

How Brenden “Butterbean” Queen got his memorable nickname 

If you mention Brenden Queen, some might fail to recognize who he is. But if you utter ‘Butterbean’, that’s all it takes for them to immediately recognize him. The nickname has become Brenden Queen’s identity and the story behind it is endearing, too. In the recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, he went on to reveal how he got this adorable moniker.

Queen said that his family gave him the nickname ‘Butterbean’ after renowned heavyweight boxer, Eric David Scott Esch. A four-time World Champion, Esch’s ability inside the ring has been a stuff of legends. Mentioning how the boxer’s physique inspired Queen’s family members, he shared, “I actually got the nickname because I looked like him as a baby – fat and chubby.“ However, the name that was supposed to be limited to just his kin soon spread like wildfire. First, his friends came to know about it, then his teachers, and then eventually, when he joined races, even the NASCAR community took it up. 

But his nickname is not something that’s only incredible about him. Even his journey has been extraordinary, from going to moving boxes to racing cars. Quite the career progression, isn’t it? 

Queen’s incredible journey from moving container boxes to racing

Butterbean always dreamed of racing cars from age 6, so when he got the chance, he wasn’t leaving even an ounce to fate. While the driver’s father was also a known figure in the racing community, during the podcast, he explained his journey and how he had almost given up on his dream before an opportunity sprang upon him. He said, “Two years ago I was working at the Port of Virginia, moving the boxes off the container ships seven days a week, and thought I was done racing. And I’m telling you, like the BRC and the Staten family came in and, I mean, they turned my life into a 180.”

Apart from that, the one person who helped the young driver reach his ultimate form was the Lee Pulliam Performance racing team owner, Lee Pulliam. The owner took Queen under his wing, and since that time, the driver’s journey has seen an upward trajectory. From winning the 2022 South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway, to securing five more victories and a second-place in the CARS Tour point standings, ‘Butterbean’ has evidently showed why he’s a formidable force. However, his journey was far from smooth, which Queen had revealed earlier, according to NASCAR.

“This comes from the days of grinding in my backyard with lesser equipment, not being able to afford parts and having to use old stuff. It made me appreciate the car and equipment way more, so when I got better stuff, I knew how to appreciate it. Last year we proved we could go on the road and have so much success,” the driver revealed.

Butterbean may seem to be an immature nickname for a NASCAR driver, but Queen’s approach to his career is anything but that. In the podcast, he went on to share a very mature perspective on racing. He mentioned that while his goal is to win races, but it is not at any cost. He said, “I know how much work goes into it. I spent those days working on my stuff, so I don’t want to disrespect their equipment in any way. I’m not that type of person.” This kind of respect he shows highlights his character. 

Now it is just the waiting game to see if he can put his hard work into action. If he can keep up his winning streak and win in North Wilkesboro again. What do you think are these chances? Let us know your thoughts.