Dean Thompson moves to Xfinity Series full time in 2025 with Sam Hunt Racing
Yesterday at 11:04 AM
Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) announces today that 23-year-old Dean Thompson will pilot the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) in 2025 and compete for Rookie of the Year honors. Thompson’s continued year-over-year growth in performance and SHR’s individual success create a foundation for a seamless partnership heading into 2025.
"I‘m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR," said Dean 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, California native, began racing at five, racking up wins across the country in quarter midgets until the age of 9. 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 December 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 (NCTS) 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.
Sam Hunt Racing has been competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since its debut in 2019, and each season, the team‘s performance has consistently strengthened. 2024 was a breakout season for the young team, bringing its strongest on-track performance yet.
"We‘re all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025," says 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."
In 2024, 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, Sam Hunt Racing 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.
SHR has become a consistent threat at short tracks and road courses throughout its brief history while dedicating itself to improving its intermediate and superspeedway packages.
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.
The 2025 season will kick off at Daytona International Speedway on February 15th at 5:00 PM ET. All NASCAR Xfinity Series races will be broadcast on the CW Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
— Sam Hunt Racing —
