Dean Thompson Bio
Early Life and Background
Dean Kenneth Thompson was born on August 30, 2001, in Anaheim, California, U.S. He began his racing journey at the young age of five, competing in quarter midgets at Orange Show Speedway. After a brief hiatus from racing, Thompson returned to the sport in 2018, where he began racing late models at the age of 16, marking the start of his professional career.
Path to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
In 2019, Thompson raced full-time in late models, achieving his first victory at Irwindale Speedway. His success continued as he secured the Irwindale Speedway LKQ Pick Your Part Late Model Championship in both 2020 and 2021, with a total of six wins in 2020 and one win in 2021. His impressive performances earned him the Rookie of the Year title in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, setting the stage for his transition to higher-tier series.
Dean Thompson Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Thompson’s early career saw him competing in various late model events, where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2021, he moved up to the ARCA Menards Series West, driving full-time for High Point Racing. His best finish in this series was second at Irwindale Speedway, where he also won the pole position and led most of the race before being passed after a late restart.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In late 2021, Thompson was signed by Niece Motorsports to compete in the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He made his Truck Series debut in 2022, driving the No. 40 truck. Despite facing challenges, including a significant crash at Texas Motor Speedway in 2023 that resulted in an injury, Thompson continued to develop his skills in the series. He later joined Tricon Garage for the 2023 season, where he drove the No. 5 truck.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Era (2024–Present)
Thompson made his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, driving the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing. He had notable performances, including a strong showing at Charlotte during his first race. In 2025, he was announced to run full-time in the Xfinity Series, where he achieved his first stage victory at Rockingham, marking a significant milestone for both him and his team.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Thompson is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his experience in various series have contributed to his growing reputation in the sport.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Thompson has achieved several significant milestones, including multiple championships in late models and his debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His stage win at Rockingham in 2025 stands out as a pivotal moment in his career.
Dean Thompson Career Wins
Dean Thompson is still in the early stages of his professional racing career, with no wins recorded across the major series he has competed in thus far.
Current NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Highlights
In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Thompson has made a notable impact with eight top-ten finishes, showcasing his competitive edge. His debut at the 2024 BetMGM 300 at Charlotte marked the beginning of his journey in this series, and he continues to build on his experience.
Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
During his time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Thompson recorded eleven top-ten finishes, demonstrating his potential and consistency as a driver. His best finish was 16th in the 2024 season, reflecting his growth in the competitive environment of the Truck Series.
Dean Thompson Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Information regarding Thompson’s family background and lineage in NASCAR is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Thompson’s personal life remain private, with no significant public information disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for Dean Thompson as he competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His performance has shown promise, with several top finishes that place him in a competitive position. As the season progresses, Thompson aims to build on his early successes and secure his first career win, while continuing to develop his skills with Sam Hunt Racing. The dynamics within his team and the support from his crew chief will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of the season ahead.
