GRAPEVINE, Texas — Kubota Tractor Corporation and ThorSport Racing announced a partnership for Kubota to become the Official Tractor Company of ThorSport and sponsor of Ben Rhodes’ No. 99 Ford in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
After sponsoring the Sandusky, Ohio-based team in multiple races last season, Kubota returns as the primary sponsor for multiple races and an associate sponsor for all races, which will feature Kubota branding on other ThorSport trucks.
“ThorSport Racing’s dedication, drive and commitment to become the longest-tenured team in the NASCAR truck series and to do it at the highest level, day-in and day-out, exemplifies the shared values of Kubota and our hard-working customers,” said Todd Stucke, Kubota Tractor Corporation senior vice president of marketing, product support, and special projects. “When we move forward with a partnership, whether it’s on the racetrack, in the bull riding arena or in the classroom supporting the next generation of farmers, we ensure it aligns with our core business and loyal customer base, which is why we’re fired up to get those engines started with Ben and the ThorSport team.”
Rhodes, who won the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series championship, will drive the No. 99 Kubota Ford on March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway in Forth Worth, Texas, May 20 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, June 3 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., July 22 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Penn., and Sept. 14 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
“It feels great to be back with Kubota in the 2023 season,” said Rhodes, who finished second in last year’s standings. “We have some unfinished business with how close we came in the playoffs last year. I would love nothing more than to celebrate some wins with Kubota this season. It’s also been fun to see how much support we have received from Kubota owners, NASCAR fans and people within the company. I know we will have a lot of people pulling for this orange truck to make it to victory lane.”