Sam Hunt Racing is set for a major shift in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, confirming Harrison Burton joins Sam Hunt Racing as a full-time driver alongside Dean Thompson, as the organization expands its operations to two cars. The team will feature Burton in the No. 24 Toyota and Thompson returning in the No. 26 Toyota, marking a dynamic new phase for the organization.
Expanding the Roster with Proven Talent
Sam Hunt Racing is building momentum by bringing two full-time drivers on board for the 2026 season. While Dean Thompson continues his tenure after notching seven top-10 finishes this year—including a fifth-place at Charlotte in May—Harrison Burton is set to take on a prominent role in the newly renamed series. Both drivers will represent the team in Toyota vehicles, aiming to push the organization to greater heights in the highly competitive field.
Team owner Sam Hunt highlighted Thompson’s performance and the expectations for the team’s continued progress.
“I feel like Dean has earned his seat at Sam Hunt Racing this year, and I wanted him back,”
said Sam Hunt, team owner.
“He’s just done a great job, and there’s a lot of pressure on Dean next year to continue that upward trajectory and continue to grow as a driver.”
Hunt’s confidence underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing its drivers and building a strong foundation for the coming years.
The team owner also expressed his excitement about adding Burton to the lineup. Hunt explained that he has known Burton for several years, admiring both his character and his work ethic, in addition to his accomplishments on the track. According to Hunt, the decision to add Burton was motivated by the positive personal and professional qualities the driver brings to the team.
Commitment to Growth and Team Chemistry
Sam Hunt emphasized that the blend of talent is about more than just racing results—it’s about finding the right people who fit well together and contribute to the team’s culture.
“For me, this was just a very good human fit all the way around. These two guys I think a lot of and want to see succeed and make it to Sunday at some point. I just asked they buy in at the same level and be a part of this team’s growth, and if they do, then we will have a chance to get both cars in the Playoffs,”
said Sam Hunt, team owner.
Harrison Burton’s recent experience includes making the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series Playoffs in the past two seasons. In 2024, he achieved a victory at Daytona driving for Wood Brothers Racing, which secured his spot in the Cup Series postseason. This year, he advanced to the Playoffs with AM Racing on points and was eliminated in the Round of 12, demonstrating consistent performance at the top levels of the sport.
Burton’s Alignment with the Team and Toyota
Burton highlighted the shared values and philosophies as central reasons for his move to the team.
“For me, it’s just an alignment of beliefs with Sam and their group and Dean,”
said Harrison Burton, who previously drove Toyotas for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series as well as for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series.
Further underscoring his excitement, Burton remarked on the team’s spirit and approach:
“What they believe in and how they race and the way they approach things, it’s just a great fit. I couldn’t be more excited to join this group for what feels like going back home with our friends with Toyota.”
Burton’s prior success in Toyotas includes four Xfinity Series wins with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2020, highlighting the synergy between his driving style and the brand.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With the addition of Harrison Burton and the return of Dean Thompson, Sam Hunt Racing is making a significant investment in its future. The organization’s approach, centered on both professional performance and team chemistry, may enable the team to be highly competitive in the 2026 season. NASCAR fans can expect an energized lineup as the team aims to secure Playoff spots for both cars, making the upcoming season one to watch closely.
