Ty Majeski Truck Series resurgence is back in the spotlight as the reigning champion bounces from a challenging midseason, aiming for another strong playoff run in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With recent success on the track, Majeski finds himself climbing the ranks just as the playoffs reach a critical point, eager to prove his late-season strength once again.
A Season of Ups and Downs for the No.98 Team
Majeski began the current season behind the wheel of the No.98 Ford with momentum, securing a top-three finish at Daytona. Despite starting races from favorable positions throughout the early part of the year, he struggled to break through and often wound up in the middle of the pack. That trend has recently reversed, with Majeski posting five straight finishes inside the top ten, signaling a potential turnaround at just the right moment.
Corey Heim has emerged as the lead contender heading into the playoffs, a scenario mirroring last year, as the top-seeded driver boasts multiple race wins. Majeski, nonetheless, is optimistic about duplicating his previous postseason surge, a run that brought him competitive prominence when it mattered most. He addressed this confidence while speaking to NASCAR SiriusXM, acknowledging both the challenges and the collective determination of his team.
“We were, I think, outside of the top ten in points at one point, and we ended up ending the regular season, 4th and 4th in regular season points. So it took a lot to crawl out of that hole, and I’m really proud of the 98 group for stay in the course and understanding this situation.” —Ty Majeski, Driver
“And that’s the beauty about the playoffs and the point structure that we have is, it’s really a tale of two seasons. You can recover from a few bad weeks in a real hurry and we saw it with with us this year. It seems like par for the course, the 98 team is sort of peaking at the same time every year right before or at the beginning of the playoffs, so I’m excited to make another run at it,” he added. —Ty Majeski, Driver
Heading into the upcoming races, Majeski sits sixth in the playoff standings, trailing the dominant Heim, who has amassed a formidable points lead. The unique playoff system places an emphasis on single-race performances and sudden turnarounds, giving drivers like Majeski a realistic path to the title, even without a win under his belt this season.
Majeski Set to Inherit the No.88 from Matt Crafton
Looking ahead, Ty Majeski is set to transition into another iconic ride, as announced for the 2026 season. He will take over the No.88 Ford from Matt Crafton, who is stepping away from full-time driving at the end of this year. Crafton’s career has been closely tied to ThorSport Racing for more than 23 seasons, making the No.88 a fixture in the Truck Series and establishing him as a cornerstone of the team.
During his time with ThorSport, Crafton achieved consecutive championships in 2013 and 2014, with a testament to his consistency coming in 2019, when he secured a title despite not reaching victory lane that year. His final race win dates back to 2020, and last year marked his first absence from the playoff roster since the current system started in 2016. Regardless, Crafton’s 23-year partnership with Menards and loyal service to his team is unparalleled in the series.
Upon news of his future role, Majeski expressed deep respect and excitement at the honor of piloting the No.88 Menards Truck when the time arrives. Simultaneously, he reaffirmed his focus remains on maximizing the current campaign with the No.98 crew and defending his crown.
What the Playoff Race Could Bring for Majeski and ThorSport Racing
As the postseason progresses, Ty Majeski and ThorSport Racing stand at a crossroads between legacy and new opportunity. The champion’s resurgence in the Truck Series, coupled with another chance to capture the title, highlights the team’s unyielding spirit. While Heim leads the pack, Majeski’s surge offers fans and rivals alike a story of determination and timely momentum—proof that in NASCAR, the right surge can change a season and rewrite destinies on the track.
