Harrison Burton joins Sam Hunt Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, as officially announced by the team on October 25. Burton is set to compete alongside Dean Thompson, who will continue with the team after his rookie year, solidifying SHR’s commitment to fielding two full-time entries in the upcoming campaign.
Sam Hunt Racing Adds Experience and Stability for 2026
With the latest move, Sam Hunt Racing brings a refreshed lineup featuring Harrison Burton in the No. 24 and Dean Thompson remaining in the No. 26. This marks an important shift for the organization, marking the first occasion it will field two full-time cars piloted by the same drivers throughout the entire season. Over recent years, the team had fielded the No. 24 entry on a part-time basis, rotating drivers in and out, notably throughout the 2023 season.
Announcing the new lineup, team owner Sam Hunt highlighted the evolving culture and competitiveness of his organization.
“It’s extremely fulfilling for me to not only see SHR’s on-track growth, but to witness the organization’s culture continue to blossom,”
Sam Hunt, SHR owner, said in a team release. According to Hunt, building a successful racing team depends on attracting skilled individuals and fostering a positive environment. Thompson’s performance through the season was commended, as Hunt stated,
“I couldn’t be prouder of Dean’s maturity, humility, and work ethic this year. His on-track success is a direct result of his growth as a person, and his buy-in to wanting not only himself, but this entire organization to succeed. He has more than earned his spot within this team and this garage.”
The owner also shared his optimism about the addition of Burton, saying,
“Bringing Harrison in full-time is another major step in this team’s growth process, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him. He not only brings a new level of experience to SHR but is the perfect fit for our team’s culture and vision. I am grateful to everyone involved and am ready to get to work on our next step.”
Strong Results and Team Leadership Heading Into the New Season
Burton enters the 2026 season following a stint with AM Racing, where in his return to the Xfinity series in 2025, he secured two top-five and multiple top-ten finishes. Meanwhile, Dean Thompson has enjoyed an impressive debut season full-time with SHR, tallying one top five and seven top 10 finishes, following a couple of starts in 2024.
Continuity on the technical side is also key for Sam Hunt Racing. The team confirmed Kris Bowen and Brian Gainey will remain as crew chiefs for the Nos. 26 and 24, respectively, which is expected to help maintain consistency as the lineup evolves.
With these updates, Sam Hunt Racing cements its strategy to build on recent growth, foster a strong culture, and strive for on-track achievement. As AM Racing has not yet announced who will replace Burton, some anticipation remains across the paddock.
Implications for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
The move to secure Harrison Burton and retain Dean Thompson reflects Sam Hunt Racing’s dedication to stability and heightened competition in the series. Fans and competitors expect to see both drivers working together to drive the team to new heights, while key figures like team owner Sam Hunt, crew chiefs Kris Bowen and Brian Gainey, and lead drivers Harrison Burton and Dean Thompson take prominent roles in shaping SHR’s future in NASCAR.
