Ty Majeski inherits No. 88 Truck as ThorSport Racing makes a major transition, with Matt Crafton announcing he will step down from competition following the 2025 NASCAR season. This move hands over one of the most celebrated rides in NASCAR’s Truck Series to the defending champion, ensuring the tradition of the No. 88 Menards Truck continues.
End of an Era: Matt Crafton’s Remarkable Career
Matt Crafton, a California native, brought enduring success to the #88 Menards Truck and has now decided to retire from full-time racing after the upcoming season. Across an astonishing 23 years in the Truck Series, Crafton’s dedication and skill have made a permanent mark. With 585 Truck Series starts, he leads the record books, and his career totals of 15 wins, 135 top-five finishes, and 331 top-ten results highlight his extraordinary consistency. Most impressively, Crafton stands as the only driver to secure back-to-back Truck Series championships, setting him apart as both a skilled competitor and a mentally tough performer.
The partnership between Crafton and Menards has lasted for over two decades, making it the longest continuous sponsor-driver relationship in NASCAR history. Their collaboration has been a constant in a sport where both teams and drivers often experience frequent changes, showcasing a rare blend of loyalty and performance.
The Next Chapter: Majeski Embraces a Storied Legacy
Ty Majeski, chosen as Crafton’s successor, will climb into the No. 88 truck beginning in 2026. ThorSport Racing made this decision, confident in Majeski’s abilities as the reigning Truck Series champion. For Majeski, this moment is both a personal milestone—announced around his birthday—and a new challenge, as he steps into a seat with an extraordinary history attached.
The 2025 season has brought challenges for Majeski. Despite entering the playoffs as the sixth seed with three playoff points, wins have proved elusive. However, his strong performance at the Richmond regular season finale—where he led 143 of 250 laps before finishing second—suggests that both speed and potential remain. This resilience during times of adversity sets the stage for what’s to come in the playoffs and beyond.
Pressure and Opportunity: The Road to Back-to-Back Titles
Corey Heim currently stands as the championship favorite, but the dynamic nature of NASCAR’s playoff system means fortunes can shift rapidly. For Majeski, replicating the form that crowned him 2024 champion would open the door to joining Matt Crafton in the rarefied group of back-to-back Truck Series champions. Such an achievement would serve as a fitting tribute to Crafton’s legacy and offer Majeski a strong foundation as he begins his tenure in the No. 88.
Looking ahead, Crafton still has seven opportunities to add further highlights to his already illustrious career before the curtain falls at the 2025 season finale in Phoenix. That last race will not only mark the end of Crafton’s remarkable journey but also represent a key moment for the team and the sport as a whole.
ThorSport’s Transition: Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
ThorSport Racing faces a significant transformation, simultaneously saying farewell to their most accomplished veteran while welcoming new leadership in the form of Majeski. This transition epitomizes the passing of the torch, preserving both the competitive standard and the symbolic value of the No. 88 Menards Truck. The team’s commitment to maintaining its legacy aligns with the larger narrative of NASCAR’s evolving landscape, where experience and fresh talent converge.
The legacy of Matt Crafton will not close with his final lap; instead, it will evolve as Majeski steps in, equipped with the credentials and drive to forge his own path. As the Truck Series enters a new chapter, all eyes will be on whether Ty Majeski can uphold and perhaps even elevate the tradition of sustained excellence that has defined the No. 88 for more than two decades.
