ThorSport Racing Overview
ThorSport Racing is an American professional stock car racing team competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 1996 as SealMaster Racing and based in Sandusky, Ohio, the organization is owned by Duke Thorson and his wife, Rhonda Thorson, in partnership with Mike Curb. ThorSport currently fields four full-time entries: the No. 13 Ford F-150 for Cole Butcher, the No. 88 Ford F-150 for Ty Majeski, the No. 98 Ford F-150 for Jake Garcia, and the No. 99 Ford F-150 for Ben Rhodes. The team has secured six NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championships and one ARCA Racing Series championship, making it one of the most decorated organizations in Truck Series history. Notably, ThorSport Racing holds the distinction of being the longest-running team in the Truck Series, maintaining a presence in every season since the series began in 1996.
Founding and Organizational Origins
ThorSport Racing traces its roots to 1996 when Duke Thorson established the organization under the name SealMaster Racing in his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio. The founding philosophy centered on building a sustainable racing operation that could grow from regional competition to the national stage. Thorson and his wife, Rhonda, invested their resources into developing a competitive program that would represent both the local racing community and their own ambitions in motorsports. From the beginning, the team focused on establishing a solid technical foundation and building relationships within the racing industry.
The early years were marked by careful expansion as ThorSport gained experience in stock car competition. The team began competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, entering the No. 88 truck for driver Terry Cook at the Milwaukee Mile in 1996. This initial entry represented the first step in what would become a decades-long partnership with the Truck Series. The organization gradually built its shop facilities in Sandusky, developing the technical infrastructure needed to compete at a higher level while maintaining its Midwest roots.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
The transition from occasional entries to full-time Truck Series competition occurred gradually during the late 1990s and early 2000s. ThorSport secured sufficient funding to compete more regularly by 1998, and Terry Cook achieved the team’s first victory at Flemington Speedway that season. This milestone demonstrated the organization’s potential and validated the investment in technical resources and personnel. The team continued to develop its competitive capabilities while building a reputation for reliable equipment and strategic racing.
Matt Crafton joined ThorSport in 2002 as the full-time driver of the No. 88 entry, beginning a historic partnership that would span over two decades. The arrival of Menards as a primary sponsor provided crucial financial stability, allowing the team to invest in engineering improvements and technical upgrades. Crafton’s consistency and the team’s growing technical expertise positioned ThorSport as a regular playoff contender by the mid-2000s. The organization expanded its operations while maintaining the family-oriented culture established by the Thorsons.
ThorSport’s evolution into a championship-caliber organization accelerated during the 2010s as the team developed stronger technical alliances and attracted additional sponsorship. The partnership with Mike Curb brought additional resources, and the team began competing more aggressively for race wins and championships. Throughout this growth period, ThorSport maintained its commitment to developing drivers and building sustainable programs, which distinguished it from teams that pursued short-term success at the expense of organizational stability.
ThorSport Racing Competitive Journey
ThorSport Racing’s competitive trajectory reflects decades of consistent effort and strategic development across multiple racing series. From humble beginnings as a regional operation, the team evolved into a powerhouse in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series while maintaining a presence in the ARCA Racing Series and occasionally the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The organization’s ability to adapt to changing technical regulations, economic conditions, and competitive landscapes has enabled it to remain relevant and successful through multiple generations of racing equipment and drivers.
Early Seasons and Development (1996–2008)
The inaugural seasons of ThorSport Racing established the foundation for future success through careful driver development and operational learning. Terry Cook’s early efforts with the No. 88 truck produced a breakthrough victory at Flemington in 1998, validating the team’s technical approach and boosting morale within the organization. The following years saw ThorSport compete with various drivers, including Lance Hooper, Joe Ruttman, and others, while continuously refining its operational procedures and technical capabilities.
The arrival of Matt Crafton in 2002 marked the beginning of a new era for ThorSport Racing. His partnership with Menards as sponsor provided the stability necessary for long-term planning, and his consistent performances in the No. 88 truck helped establish ThorSport as a reliable competitor. The 2008 season represented a breakthrough when Crafton claimed his first career Truck Series victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the team finished fifth in the championship standings. This achievement demonstrated that ThorSport had evolved from a developmental team into a legitimate championship contender.
Breakthrough in Craftsman Truck Series (2013–Present)
The 2013 season marked ThorSport Racing’s breakthrough into championship-level success when Matt Crafton captured his first Truck Series title. Crafton dominated the season by winning at Kansas and maintaining remarkable consistency, finishing in the top nineteen in every race. He became the first driver in Truck Series history to complete every lap of the season, setting a record that exemplified the team’s technical reliability and strategic execution. This championship launched ThorSport into the upper echelon of Truck Series competition and validated years of patient development.
Crafton followed his initial championship with a historic back-to-back title in 2014, becoming the first driver to win consecutive Truck Series championships. He added victories at Martinsville, Texas, and other tracks while demonstrating the exceptional consistency that defined his ThorSport career. The team expanded its championship portfolio when Ben Rhodes claimed the 2021 Truck Series championship, winning the first two races of the season at Daytona and the Daytona Road Course. Rhodes added a second championship in 2023, finishing as the highest-placed Championship 4 driver at Phoenix.
Ty Majeski became ThorSport’s most recent championship winner in 2024, capturing the title by winning at Phoenix in the championship finale. His season included victories at Indianapolis and Richmond during the regular season, demonstrating the consistency that characterized ThorSport’s modern program. The organization’s six Truck Series championships across multiple drivers underscore its ability to develop competitive programs for different drivers while maintaining technical excellence and strategic sophistication.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2020s–Present)
ThorSport Racing currently operates as a four-truck organization with established manufacturer partnerships and an experienced technical team. The transition to Ford as the team’s manufacturer supplier has provided consistent technical support, and the organization has invested in shop facilities and equipment to maintain its competitive edge. Duke and Rhonda Thorson continue to lead the organization, preserving the family-oriented culture that has defined ThorSport since its founding in 1996.
The driver lineup entering 2026 features Cole Butcher in the No. 13 Ford F-150, Ty Majeski moving to the No. 88 entry following Matt Crafton’s retirement announcement, Jake Garcia in the No. 98 Ford F-150, and Ben Rhodes continuing in the No. 99 entry. This lineup combines established championship-caliber drivers with emerging talent, providing ThorSport with both competitive present-day performance and long-term development potential. The team has maintained its commitment to driver development while competing at the highest levels of the Truck Series.
The 2025 season marked a significant transition period for ThorSport, with Matt Crafton announcing his retirement from full-time racing after the season finale. Crafton’s departure concludes one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in Truck Series history, and Ty Majeski will assume the No. 88 ride beginning in 2026. The organization continues to invest in technical infrastructure while maintaining the operational philosophy that has guided it through three decades of competition.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
ThorSport Racing’s organizational philosophy centers on consistency, technical excellence, and long-term driver development. The team has maintained remarkably stable leadership and operational structure throughout its history, avoiding the frequent ownership changes and restructuring that have affected many competitors. This stability has enabled ThorSport to build institutional knowledge and maintain competitive programs across multiple decades and generations of racing equipment. The partnership with Ford has provided reliable technical support, while the Menards sponsorship has delivered the financial foundation necessary for sustained competitiveness.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
ThorSport Racing’s history includes numerous landmark achievements that underscore its status as one of the Truck Series’ premier organizations. Matt Crafton’s 2013 championship represented the breakthrough that validated decades of patient development. The back-to-back championships in 2013 and 2014 established ThorSport as a dominant force, while Ben Rhodes’s championships in 2021 and 2023 demonstrated the team’s ability to maintain championship-level performance across different eras. Ty Majeski’s 2024 title further reinforced ThorSport’s commitment to excellence.
Notable organizational milestones include the first-ever 1-2-3 finish in Truck Series history, achieved by ThorSport drivers Grant Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, and Matt Crafton at Richmond Raceway in 2020. Frank Kimmel’s 2013 ARCA championship added another dimension to ThorSport’s accomplishments, and the team’s consistent presence in playoffs and championship rounds reflects its organizational depth. With 54 total race victories and 53 pole positions across Truck Series and ARCA competition, ThorSport has established an impressive record of sustained success.
ThorSport Racing Achievements and Results
ThorSport Racing has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments throughout its history, establishing itself as one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition. With seven total championships spanning six Truck Series titles and one ARCA Racing Series championship, the team has demonstrated exceptional competitive excellence across multiple racing disciplines. The organization’s 54 total race victories and 53 pole positions reflect both the talent of its drivers and the technical capabilities of its equipment.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
ThorSport Racing’s six NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championships represent the cornerstone of its competitive legacy. Matt Crafton captured the first three titles in 2013, 2014, and 2019, establishing a standard of excellence that subsequent drivers have matched. Ben Rhodes won championships in 2021 and 2023, adding to the organization’s championship collection while demonstrating ThorSport’s ability to develop multiple drivers to championship-level performance. Ty Majeski’s 2024 championship extended ThorSport’s championship streak, making the team a consistent championship contender season after season.
The team’s 48 Truck Series victories span multiple drivers and tracks, with notable wins including Crafton’s breakthrough Charlotte victory in 2008, Johnny Sauter’s Las Vegas win in 2009 that produced ThorSport’s first 1-2 finish, and Grant Enfinger’s Richmond victory in 2020 that completed the historic 1-2-3 sweep. The 52 pole positions earned by ThorSport drivers demonstrate the organization’s qualifying prowess and technical ability to prepare fast race cars across diverse track configurations.
ARCA Racing Series Achievements
ThorSport Racing’s ARCA Racing Series program produced one championship when Frank Kimmel joined the organization in 2012 and captured his tenth series title in 2013. Kimmel’s championship included his 80th career victory, making him the all-time wins leader in ARCA history. The team earned six ARCA victories and one pole position during its participation in the series, demonstrating competitive capabilities beyond the Truck Series.
