MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Dean Thompson is set to pilot Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 26 Toyota GR Supra full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year and compete for rookie of the year honors, the team revealed Tuesday.
“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR,” said Thompson. “The team made me feel at home after the two races we shared last year. Everything clicked with us, and we are both in a spot where we could fulfill each other’s needs to help our growth as a race team and driver.
“I’m lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I’m grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people.”
Thompson, an Anaheim, Calif. native, began racing at five years old, racking up wins across the country in quarter midgets until the age of nine. Throughout his middle childhood, Thompson focused his efforts outside of racing, including a love for hockey; however, a trip to Auto Club Speedway at 15 changed Thompson’s entire future.
At 16, Thompson hung up his hockey gear and strapped on a racing helmet once again, making stock car racing his career. Quickly, he climbed the ladder at tracks out west, including Irwindale Speedway, where he competed in the final race of the track’s history on Dec. 21, 2024.
Thompson had a breakout year in 2020, clinching the Irwindale Late Model Track Championship and the California State Title. He was also honored as the Southwest Tour Series Rookie of the Year. Building on that success, he aimed for a full season in the ARCA Menards West Series 2021.
In 2022, Thompson advanced to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full time after making a single start in 2021. He is preparing for his fourth season of full-time NASCAR national series competition, making his debut at the Xfinity Series level.
Thompson has collected two top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. Over the 2024 season, his average starting position improved 2.4 positions while his overall finishing position average improved by 3.5 positions compared to the 2023 season, showing continuous growth behind the wheel.
“We’re all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025,” said Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing. “He is extremely tough, has a great personality, and works hard behind the scenes to make the most of his opportunities.
“As in any rookie, Dean understands the challenge that awaits, but he is completely committed to becoming a well-rounded, mature race car driver who can put himself in a position to succeed every single week. Our goals are aligned, and we are ready to get to work.”
Last year, Sam Hunt Racing hosted a rotation of 10 different drivers in its 26 entries and entered the 24-car for two races, gathering four top-five and six top-10 finishes.
In comparison, SHR had two full-time car entries in 2023. In that season, the 24 team hosted a rotation of 10 drivers, collecting only four top-10 finishes and two top-fives. SHR’s average starting position has improved by five positions compared to the 2023 season.
Thompson Pipe Group, MCM Transportation and Assured Partners partner with SHR to support Thompson’s 2025 effort.
Additional partnership information, along with further information on the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra entry, will be announced later.
