Sam Hunt Racing featured a rotating lineup of drivers last season. Now, the Xfinity Series team will move forward with Dean Thompson as its primary wheelman.
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According to a press release on Jan. 7, Thompson will move up from the Craftsman Truck Series to compete full-time in the Xfinity Series. He will drive the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra while competing for Rookie of the Year honors and a spot in the playoffs.
Thompson Pipe Group, MCM Transportation, and Assured Partners will support Thompson as he makes the move to the team with which he made his Xfinity debut last season.
Walking into a new era.@deanthompsonr will take the reigns of the No. 26 GR Supra full-time in 2025.#LetsHunt | #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/HzkLbAyqGP
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) January 7, 2025
"I'm very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR," Thompson said in a press release. "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."
Thompson, a California native, made the move to NASCAR after winning the Irwindale Late Model Track Championship and Southwest Tour Series Rookie of the Year in 2020. He made his Truck Series debut in 2021 with Niece Motorsports and then he began driving for the team full-time in 2022.
Thompson spent three seasons in the Truck Series — one with Niece Motorsports and two with Tricon Garage. He posted a total of 11 top-10 finishes and two top-fives while improving his average finish each season.
Thompson also dabbled in the ARCA Menards Series with 10 starts for Venturini Motorsports. He finished top 10 in every race and top five in half of the races.
Thompson will now join Sam Hunt Racing, a team that featured 10 drivers in the No. 26 last season. He will be a consistent presence behind the wheel as he helps the young Xfinity team continue its pursuit of its first win.
"We're all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025," team owner Sam Hunt said in a statement. "He is extremely tough, has a great personality, and works hard behind the scenes to make the most of his opportunities.
"As in any rookie, Dean understands the challenge that awaits, but he is completely committed to becoming a well-rounded, mature race car driver who can put himself in a position to succeed every single week. Our goals are aligned, and we are ready to get to work."
