Matt Crafton, the renowned three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, will retire from full-time competition following the 2025 season, marking the end of an era in NASCAR racing. This decision, focused on the Matt Crafton NASCAR Truck Series retirement, positions current teammate and newly crowned 2024 champion Ty Majeski to take over the No. 88 ThorSport Racing Ford, while Crafton’s significant legacy with ThorSport Racing enters its closing chapter.
ThorSport Racing Ushers In Major Team Changes for 2026
ThorSport Racing, the Sandusky, Ohio-based team that has been synonymous with Matt Crafton for nearly a quarter-century, confirmed Crafton’s impending departure and Majeski’s promotion through an official press release and announcements on social media. Crafton has spent all but one season since 2001 driving for ThorSport, briefly departing in 2004 to race with Kevin Harvick Inc. before rejoining his longtime team and Menards, his principal sponsor, in 2005. The organization has yet to name a replacement for Ty Majeski in its No. 98 truck, signaling further changes ahead for the team’s driver lineup once the transition is complete.
Crafton’s longevity and loyalty to ThorSport and Menards, stretching to a remarkable 25 years, have defined his career as much as his three Truck Series championships, earned in 2013, 2014, and 2019. His unwavering partnership with the organization is notable across NASCAR, where team and sponsor relationships rarely last as long.
A Legendary NASCAR Truck Series Tenure and Impressive Milestones
Hailing from Tulare, California, and an inductee to the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, Crafton stands tied with Jack Sprague for the second-most Truck Series titles, trailing only NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr., who holds four. Crafton’s consistency on the track is underlined by his record-setting 585 Truck Series starts—none missed since joining full time. This level of commitment is unmatched, according to data maintained by Racing-reference.info.
Throughout his decorated career, Crafton has amassed 15 wins, 135 finishes in the top five, and 331 top-10 results, along with 16 poles and over 2,700 laps led. His record of consecutive starts highlights not only durability but also competitiveness over a span that few drivers have managed to sustain.
In addition to his Truck Series pedigree, Crafton has ventured into seven races spread across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. His most high-profile Cup appearance came at the 2015 Daytona 500, where he filled in for the injured Kyle Busch in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, marking a rare and memorable stint outside his customary truck seat.
Factors Behind Crafton’s Decision to Step Down
ThorSport Racing has not publicly specified the direct reason for Matt Crafton‘s departure from full-time driving. However, recent seasons have presented mounting challenges. Crafton, the only back-to-back champion in the history of the Truck Series, has not captured a victory since July 2020, and his performance metrics have shown a gradual decline. As of late, Crafton is positioned 16th in the Truck Series standings, having achieved only three top-10 finishes in 2025—a trend that, if continued, could make this season his least productive in his storied career.
Despite on-track struggles, Crafton’s influence is unquestioned, both for his competitive achievements and for his professionalism and consistency over the years. Many in the racing community expect his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the future, owing to his championship pedigree and record of reliability. His story serves as inspiration for drivers and teams who aspire to blend both excellence and loyalty in the sport.
What Lies Ahead for Crafton, ThorSport, and the Series?
Matt Crafton‘s forthcoming retirement from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will bring a close to one of the sport’s most distinguished careers. His exit sets the stage for a new era at ThorSport Racing, with Ty Majeski assuming a more prominent role and new opportunities emerging for driver development within the organization. The ripple effects of Crafton’s absence will be felt not just within the Sandusky team, but across the Truck Series, as his consistency, championship record, and enduring presence have helped shape its identity. As Crafton prepares for his final chapters on the track, his legacy continues to raise the standard for both performance and dedication in NASCAR.
