SANDUSKY, Ohio — Officials from ThorSport Racing confirmed Thursday the team will field four Toyota Tundra trucks during the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and beyond.
ThorSport Racing previously fielded Toyota entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2012 to ’17 before switching to Ford for the last three seasons.
“We’re all looking forward to kicking off the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season as we welcome ThorSport Racing back to the Toyota Racing family,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager for Motorsports, Toyota Motor North America. “This is a great team with an impressive line-up of drivers. Our previous relationship yielded success in the form of race wins and two driver championships for Matt Crafton. We’re looking forward to working with the team again and adding to our accolades together as we focus in on contending for Toyota’s 12th Truck Series manufacturer’s title.”
The only major change to the ThorSport Racing driver lineup comes in the No. 98 Toyota Tundra, which was driven by Grant Enfinger last year. This season the No. 98 will be shared by Enfinger and new ThorSport signee Christian Eckes.
Eckes is set to tentatively compete in 10 races in the No. 98, with his first race to be at the Daytona Int’l Speedway Road Course. The team will be led by Jeriod Prince as he moves into crew chief position from the No. 88 truck chief role.
The 2016 Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter is set to pilot the No. 13 Toyota Tundra with returning partner Sakar Int’l and its brand Vivitar. Joe Shear Jr. will serve as Sauter’s crew chief.
Three-time series champion Matt Crafton returns to the No. 88 Toyota with long-time partner Menards along with vendor partners, Ideal Door, ZEP, Slim Jim, Flex Seal, Hormel Black Label Bacon, Denali Aire, Mold Armor, Great Lakes Flooring, Jack Links, Chi-Chi’s and Oklahoma Joes. Carl Joiner Jr. will lead the team as crew chief.
Ben Rhodes is back behind the wheel of the No. 99 Toyota as he welcomes a new partner, Bombardier. Rich Lushes has taken over as crew chief following his move from the No. 13 truck chief position.