LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. – Rudeen Racing has added a midget team to its stable of racing operations, giving an additional dimension to the Washington-based race team.
Twenty-one-year-old Tristin Thomas, of Burlington, Wash., has been selected to drive the Rudeen Racing midget, which will carry the team’s familiar No. 26.
Tristin’s father, J.R. Thomas, will serve as the crew chief for the teams newly-acquired Spike Chassis midget, which will be powered by a Stanton SR-11 engine.
The team plans to compete for the USAC Western States Midget Series title. The first of 12 points races for that division is scheduled for March 21 at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway.
“I’d like to thank Kevin Rudeen and the whole Rudeen team for giving me an incredible opportunity and taking a chance on me,” said Thomas, who boasts multiple track and series titles in both focus midgets and micro sprints in the Pacific Northwest.
“I’ve kept a close eye on midget racing for years and I’m really excited to expand Rudeen Racing into the world of USAC with a talented young driver like Tristin,” added team owner Kevin Rudeen on his new venture.
Partners for the new Rudeen Racing midget operation include Hager Realty Services, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation, Rudeen Management and Fire-Down Graphics.