Spire Motorsports officially announced today that Thomas Annunziata, a standout in road-racing, will make his highly anticipated Spire Motorsports Lime Rock Park debut, piloting the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado during the first-ever NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series visit to the Connecticut circuit. The race will highlight TOP LINER as the primary sponsor on Annunziata’s entry, bringing fresh energy to this historic event.
With over nine years of experience across various disciplines such as karting, sports cars, Trans Am, and the NASCAR development ladders, Annunziata arrives ready to leverage his extensive background. At 20 years old, he aims to transfer his well-honed road-racing skills to his debut in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, tackling Lime Rock Park’s renowned mile-and-a-half course with seven technical turns.
Annunziata’s Racing Background and Achievements
Annunziata, raised in Colts Neck, New Jersey, has swiftly risen through racing ranks, gaining attention in Trans Am and IMSA events. Starting competitive karting at age 10, he earned senior-class status by 2021 and was recognized among the world’s elite karters that season. He did not stop there, quickly garnering respect and accolades in each new challenge.
Transitioning to sports cars in 2022, Annunziata swept titles in both the SCCA Spec Miata and Mazda Motorsports Spec MX5 Challenge, adding a $75,000 Mazda MX5 Cup Shootout scholarship to his resume. That same year, he earned a podium finish at Circuit of the Americas in only his second CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series start, solidifying his status as an emerging force.
In 2023, Annunziata made history as the only rookie to capture both a pole and a victory in TA2 competition. He continued to shine in 2024, collecting the coveted Young Guns Champion award while making an impression in the ARCA Menards Series with a runner-up result at Daytona International Speedway and a competitive outing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Stepping Up to NASCAR Truck Series with Spire Motorsports
Impressive performances in prior years helped Annunziata secure a part-time opportunity in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Cope Family Racing for 2025. Simultaneously, he remains a force in the Trans Am TA2 Series, recently posting wins at Sebring International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, reinforcing his versatility and determination.
The opportunity to make his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Lime Rock Park has Annunziata excited and optimistic.
“It’s a dream to race for a top team in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for my debut race,”
—Thomas Annunziata, Driver
“Spire Motorsports is one of the elite teams and I hope to get them another win.”
—Thomas Annunziata, Driver
Team and Sponsor Confidence in Annunziata
Annunziata is not new to those at Spire Motorsports or his primary sponsor. Claudio Burtin, who oversees the TOP LINER brand and serves as Team Principal at Burtin Racing, expressed confidence in the young driver’s abilities.
“Thomas drove for us in the Trans Am car and was on pace immediately,”
—Claudio Burtin, Owner at TOP LINER/Team Principal at Burtin Racing
“He showed some unique car control. We look forward to mixing it up with the truck regulars and more to come!”
—Claudio Burtin, Owner at TOP LINER/Team Principal at Burtin Racing
Lime Rock Park Event and Broadcast Plans
The debut race for Annunziata and Spire Motorsports at Lime Rock Park, named the LiUNA 150, is scheduled to air live on FOX at 1 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 28. Fans can also catch live coverage via the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Channel 90, ensuring the event receives national attention.
Annunziata’s arrival marks a notable moment in both his career trajectory and Spire Motorsports’ ongoing pursuit of excellence, with the Spire Motorsports Lime Rock Park debut sure to draw interest from fans, competitors, and industry insiders alike. As he takes on seasoned truck regulars at one of the most challenging road courses in Connecticut, observers will be watching to see how this rising star shapes the next chapter of his diverse racing journey.
