Cole Butcher is set to take on full-time competition in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 13 entry for ThorSport Racing. This significant move confirms Butcher’s progression from Canadian Late Model standouts to one of the premier stock car series in North America, marking an exciting next step in his racing career and the ongoing growth of the ThorSport lineup, which features Ben Rhodes, Jake Garcia, and Ty Majeski.
Butcher Named Full-Time Driver for ThorSport in 2026
ThorSport Racing has announced that Cole Butcher will compete for the team full-time during the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season. Butcher joins a roster of accomplished drivers, including Ben Rhodes, Jake Garcia, and Ty Majeski, strengthening the team’s presence in the series. Butcher shared his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity:
“I’m incredibly grateful to Duke, Rhonda, and Allison Thorson for giving me this opportunity in 2026,”
said Cole Butcher.
“This team has a long history of success and championships, to be trusted with the No. 13 Ford F-150 full-time is something I don’t take lightly. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work with this group.”
Award-Winning Path Leading to NASCAR Truck Series
Butcher’s journey has been marked by championship wins and impressive race results throughout North America. In 2025, he captured the ASA STARS National Tour championship, adding to prior titles in both the ASA Southern Super Series and the ASA/CRA Super Series. Ty Majeski, a fellow ThorSport driver, also held the honor of ASA STARS National Tour champion, having bested Butcher in the inaugural season’s title fight in 2023.
The Nova Scotia native has also triumphed in several of the continent’s top Late Model events, including two victories apiece in the prestigious Oxford 250 and Redbud 400, and a previous triumph in the Winchester 400. His reputation as a marquee event winner is well established before his transition to national stock car ranks.
Earlier in his career, Butcher earned two championships in the Maritime Pro Stock Tour, taking the crown in both 2016 and 2018. These achievements positioned him as one of Canada’s leading racing talents and opened doors to higher-profile competitions in the United States.
First NASCAR Truck Series Appearances in 2025
Butcher’s initial experience in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series came in 2025, debuting at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he finished 23rd. He also participated in the season’s final event at Phoenix Raceway but was involved in a late-race incident, finishing 23rd once again. Despite these early results, he now looks ahead to a full campaign with ThorSport in 2026.
Details regarding partners for Butcher’s No. 13 Ford F-150 are expected to be announced at a later date, adding anticipation for both fans and sponsors as plans come together for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Season Begins at Daytona
The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will kick off on Friday, February 13, at Daytona International Speedway. The opener, set for 7:30 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on FS1, the Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, drawing attention from racing enthusiasts across North America eager to watch Cole Butcher’s next chapter unfold.
Butcher’s move to the full-time ThorSport seat underscores his rapid rise in motorsports, promising intense competition among teams and drivers, including key names like Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski, and Jake Garcia. As the season approaches, interest builds in how this Nova Scotia standout will perform on NASCAR’s national stage.
