Sam Hunt Racing Confirms New Full-Time NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Signing

9 hours ago 4

Sam Hunt Racing has announced that Dean Thompson will drive the No. 26 Toyota Supra full-time for SHR for the upcoming 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

Thompson, a 23-year-old from Anaheim, California, is transitioning from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series into the Xfinity Series.

Starting racing at a young age, Thompson honed his skills driving quarter midgets and late models. Rising through the ranks, he claimed the Rookie of the Year title in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series.

His experience extends to the ARCA Menards Series West, where he recorded his first pole position at Pocono Raceway in 2023, achieving two runner-up finishes and securing five top-five and eleven top-10 performances in the series.

The transition to Sam Hunt Racing comes after Thompson's three full-time seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Thompson completed his 2024 Truck Series season with six top-10 finishes and an average place of 18.9 at TRICON Garage.

He made his Truck Series debut at Phoenix Raceway in 2021 with Niece Motorsports, showing steady progress each season.

Speaking about his upcoming move in 2025, Thompson explained:

"I'm very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR.

"The team made me feel at home after the two races we shared last year. Everything clicked with us, and we are both in a spot where we could fulfill each other's needs to help our growth as a race team and driver.

"I'm lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I'm grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people."

Sam Hunt Racing, founded in 2013 by Sam Hunt and Shayne Lockhart, has steadily built its reputation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team debuted in this series at the 2019 event finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Over time, SHR has achieved impressive results, including eleven top-five and twenty-six top-10 finishes, from multiple cars like their full-time No. 26 Toyota Supra and the part-time No. 24.

The team maintains strong partnerships with Toyota Racing Development and collaborates technically with Joe Gibbs Engines.

Team owner Sam Hunt shared his excitement about the signing of Thompson, explaining:

"We're all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025.

"He is extremely tough, has a great personality, and works hard behind the scenes to make the most of his opportunities.

The 2025 season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, with coverage set to broadcast on the CW Network.