ThorSport Racing Overview
ThorSport Racing is an American professional stock car racing team competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, the team fields four Ford F-150 trucks numbered 13, 88, 98, and 99, driven by Cole Butcher, Ty Majeski, Jake Garcia, and Ben Rhodes. The organization is owned by Duke Thorson, his wife Rhonda Thorson, and motorsports executive Mike Curb. ThorSport is the longest-running team in the Truck Series, having entered at least one truck in every season since the series began.
Over nearly three decades, ThorSport has built a reputation for engineering excellence, driver development, and championship consistency. The team has captured seven total championship titles, including six in the Truck Series and one in the ARCA Racing Series. Its signature identity centers on Fords, Ohio-based operations, and a steady pipeline of drivers who have gone on to national series success. ThorSport’s enduring presence has made it a foundational pillar of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Founding and Organizational Origins
ThorSport Racing was established in 1996 by Duke Thorson under the original name SealMaster Racing. The organization was created to field a competitive entry in the newly formed NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with SealMaster serving as the team’s founding sponsor. From its earliest days, the team was based in Sandusky, Ohio, where it built a small but dedicated shop focused on craftsmanship and preparation.
The team’s debut came at the 1996 Sears Auto Center 200 at the Milwaukee Mile, where Terry Cook drove the No. 88 truck to a 12th-place finish. In the years that followed, ThorSport gradually expanded its personnel, equipment, and sponsorship base, while maintaining its Ohio headquarters. The transition from SealMaster Racing to the ThorSport Racing identity reflected the team’s growth beyond a single sponsor into a multi-program racing organization.
Throughout its formative years, ThorSport focused on building a sustainable operation rather than chasing quick results. The Thorson family invested in long-term infrastructure and technical expertise, which created the foundation for the team’s future championship success. By the early 2000s, the organization had assembled a talented group of engineers, crew chiefs, and drivers ready to compete at a higher level.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
ThorSport’s step into full-time Truck Series competition came in 1998, when Terry Cook delivered the team’s first career victory at Flemington Speedway driving the No. 88. That breakthrough demonstrated that a small, Ohio-based operation could compete with established teams from the Southeast. Throughout the early 2000s, ThorSport expanded its truck fleet and refined its technical partnerships.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2009, when Johnny Sauter joined the team and secured ThorSport’s third win at Las Vegas, marking the organization’s first-ever 1-2 finish with teammate Matt Crafton in second. In 2011, the team added Safe Auto Insurance as a major sponsor, which fueled additional growth. By 2013, ThorSport was a multi-truck operation prepared to challenge for the series championship.
ThorSport Racing Competitive Journey
ThorSport’s progression through the Truck Series is marked by steady growth, strategic driver signings, and a relentless focus on consistency. From a single-truck effort in 1996 to a four-truck championship organization, the team has continually evolved its engineering capabilities and race strategy. ThorSport’s journey is highlighted by 54 total victories across all series and seven major championships.
Early Seasons and Development (1996–2008)
During its first decade, ThorSport operated primarily as a single-truck team out of its Sandusky shop, building the technical foundation for future success. The team’s early years featured the development of the No. 88 truck, with drivers such as Terry Cook, Tracy Hines, and Matt Crafton rotating through the seat. Sponsorship partnerships with Menards, PickupTruck.com, and Fast Master Driveway Sealer helped stabilize the program.
In 2002, Matt Crafton became a full-time driver for the team and quickly became the face of the organization. Under his leadership, ThorSport earned its first career pole and continued to refine its racing operations. By 2008, Crafton scored the team’s first Truck Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, signaling that ThorSport had arrived as a legitimate contender in the series.
Breakthrough in the Truck Series (2009–2014)
The 2009 season marked ThorSport’s first real breakthrough, with Johnny Sauter delivering a win at Las Vegas and a 1-2 finish alongside Matt Crafton. Over the next several seasons, the team expanded its operations, adding new trucks and drivers to its roster. The partnership with Mike Curb strengthened the organization’s financial and technical base.
The defining era of ThorSport’s success came in 2013, when Matt Crafton captured the team’s first Truck Series championship. He made history by becoming the first driver in series history to complete every lap of the season. In 2014, Crafton defended his title with multiple victories, becoming the first driver in Truck Series history to win back-to-back championships. ThorSport’s dominance during this period cemented its reputation as the premier team in the series.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2015–Present)
Following its early championships, ThorSport continued to expand, adding new trucks and developing young talent. The team transitioned its manufacturer allegiance to Ford, aligning its technical operations with one of NASCAR’s most successful engine builders. Drivers such as Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, and Ty Majeski emerged as championship-caliber talents under the ThorSport banner.
In 2021, Ben Rhodes claimed the team’s fourth championship, followed by his second title in 2023. Ty Majeski added a fifth championship in 2024, while competing alongside Rhodes, Majeski, and Jake Garcia. The team continued to expand its program, adding Cole Butcher to the No. 13 truck for the 2026 season. ThorSport remains focused on winning races, developing drivers, and pursuing additional championships.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
ThorSport’s core identity is built on engineering precision, strategic race execution, and driver development. The team is known for excelling on intermediate tracks and superspeedways, where fuel strategy and pit execution often decide the outcome. Its Ohio-based operations allow for a tight-knit, family-oriented culture that emphasizes preparation and consistency over flash.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
ThorSport’s historic milestones include its first Truck Series win in 1998, Matt Crafton’s 2013 and 2014 back-to-back championships, and the first 1-2-3 finish in Truck Series history achieved in 2020 at Richmond Raceway. The team’s sixth Truck Series title came in 2024 with Ty Majeski, solidifying ThorSport’s legacy as the most successful organization in series history.
ThorSport Racing Achievements and Results
ThorSport Racing has established itself as one of the most decorated teams in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history. With 54 total victories and seven championships across the Truck Series and ARCA Racing Series, the organization has built a legacy of sustained excellence. Its achievements span multiple decades, drivers, and manufacturer partnerships.
Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
ThorSport has won 48 races in the Truck Series, including its first career victory in 1998 at Flemington Speedway. The team has captured six Truck Series championships, with Matt Crafton (2013, 2014, 2019), Ben Rhodes (2021, 2023), and Ty Majeski (2024) delivering title-winning performances. ThorSport’s 1-2-3 finish at Richmond in 2020 remains a historic moment in the series.
ARCA Racing Series Achievements
In the ARCA Racing Series, ThorSport earned six victories and one championship, with Frank Kimmel delivering the organization’s 2013 title. The team operated the No. 44 and No. 88 entries in ARCA competition, providing a development platform for drivers transitioning to the Truck Series. The ARCA championship added a second major series title to ThorSport’s trophy case.
