Dean Thompson will drive Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 26 full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025, SHR announced Jan. 7.
It’ll be Thompson’s first full season in the series.
“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR,” Thompson said in a team release. “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.”
“We’re all excited to bring Dean into the SHR family to develop in the Xfinity Series full time in 2025,” team owner Sam Hunt added. “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 racecar 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.”
Thompson drove two races for SHR in 2024, his debut in the series. His best finish was 20th at Talladega Superspeedway.
He’s competed full time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series the last three seasons, most recently with TRICON Garage. He earned a career-high six top 10s in 2024 in the No. 5.
Thompson’s signing moves the No. 26 back to a full-time driver after running full time in 2024 with a rotating roster of competitors. The team also fielded the No. 24 part time; it has not yet announced any plans for the No. 24 for 2025.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.