Johnny Sauter Bio
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Joseph Sauter was born on May 1, 1978, in Necedah, Wisconsin, USA. He grew up in a family with a rich racing heritage; his father, Jim Sauter, was a former NASCAR driver, and he has two brothers, Tim and Jay, who are also involved in racing. This environment fostered Johnny’s early interest in motorsports, leading him to compete in various amateur racing series throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest after graduating high school in 1996.
Sauter’s early racing career began in the Sportsman Division at Dells Raceway Park, where he achieved three wins, followed by a victory in the Late Model Division at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. His dedication to racing and talent on the track earned him the ASA National Tour Championship in 2001, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Path to NASCAR
Following his success in the ASA, Sauter received an invitation from Richard Childress Racing to drive in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2001. He made his debut in the series, finishing in the top fifteen in three of his five starts, including a fifth-place finish at Richmond. In 2002, he ran a full schedule in the Busch Series, achieving five top-ten finishes and securing his first win in the Tropicana Twister 300 at Chicagoland Speedway.
Sauter continued to build his reputation in NASCAR, making his Winston Cup debut in 2003. He drove for several teams, including Childress Racing and Phoenix Racing, and gradually established himself in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he would later find significant success.
Johnny Sauter Career
Early Career (2001-2005)
Sauter’s professional racing career began in earnest in 2001 when he won the ASA National Tour Championship. He transitioned to NASCAR, where he competed in the Busch Series and made his Truck Series debut in 2003. His early years were marked by a series of challenges and opportunities, including a win at Milwaukee in 2005 while driving for Phoenix Racing, which helped solidify his place in the sport.
Despite facing setbacks, including being disqualified for a post-race inspection in Texas, Sauter consistently demonstrated his talent and determination, setting the stage for future successes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2009-2016)
Sauter returned to the Truck Series in 2009, driving for ThorSport Racing. He achieved his first Truck Series victory at Las Vegas, which also earned him the NASCAR Rookie of the Year title. Over the next few years, he continued to excel, capturing multiple wins and establishing himself as a formidable competitor.
In 2016, Sauter reached the pinnacle of his Truck Series career by winning the championship. He secured his title with a strong performance throughout the season, including victories at Martinsville and Texas, and finished third in the final race at Homestead.
ThorSport Racing Era (2017-Present)
Sauter continued to race for ThorSport Racing, where he remained a consistent contender in the Truck Series. In 2017, he had a successful season, winning multiple races and finishing second in the standings. He opened the 2018 season with a victory at Daytona, marking his third win at the event.
However, after a challenging couple of seasons in 2020 and 2021, Sauter was demoted to part-time status with ThorSport in 2022. He made appearances in various races, including a return to G2G Racing in 2023, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Sauter is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His experience and adaptability on the track allow him to excel in various racing conditions, making him a formidable opponent in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Sauter’s career is highlighted by several significant achievements, including being the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and the 2018 Regular Season Champion. He has also won prestigious races such as the Oktoberfest and has been recognized as Rookie of the Year in both the Truck Series and ASA National Tour.
Johnny Sauter Career Wins
Johnny Sauter has amassed a total of 24 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, along with notable victories in other series. His competitive spirit and skill have made him a respected figure in the world of motorsports.
Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
In the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Sauter continues to compete part-time, showcasing his experience and talent. His most recent win came in 2019 at Dover, and he remains a competitive force in the series, with a total of 24 wins to his name.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Sauter has also made his mark in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he achieved three wins, and in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he competed in several races. His diverse experience across multiple series highlights his versatility as a driver.
Johnny Sauter Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Johnny Sauter comes from a family deeply rooted in racing. His father, Jim Sauter, was a notable NASCAR driver, and his brothers, Tim and Jay, continue the family legacy in motorsports. This lineage has played a significant role in shaping Johnny’s career and passion for racing.
Personal Life
Sauter resides in Necedah, Wisconsin, where he enjoys spending time with his family. In his free time, he has hobbies that include flying, fishing, and playing the banjo, reflecting his diverse interests outside of racing. He is known to be of the Catholic faith.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, Johnny Sauter continues to compete part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His performances have shown flashes of his past success, although he faces a competitive field. The season has been a mix of challenges and opportunities, and Sauter aims to leverage his experience to secure strong finishes as he navigates the evolving landscape of the series. With a focus on consistency and strategic racing, he remains a driver to watch as the season progresses.
