He ran a full season in the Show Me The Money Pro Late Model Series at Montgomery Motor Speedway, winning two races and eventually the championship.

[3] He also ran in the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Pro Late Model Tour, winning in his first career start at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

[5][6] He won the Tar Heel 250 at Hickory Motor Speedway after making an aggressive last-lap pass on William Byron for the win.

During post-race, Stephen's father, Jeff Nasse, was clipped by the side of Ruggiero's car as he attempted to confront him.

The original driver of the race, Isabella Robusto, suffered from a concussion following a recent late-model wreck and therefore was sidelined from competing.

In the East Series, he scored his first career win in the season-opener at Five Flags Speedway, passing William Sawalich late in the event and leading the final 71 laps.

* Season still in progress 1 Ineligible for series points (key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time.