ThorSport Racing, due to compete in its record, 354th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event later this summer at Pocono Raceway, is proving to be not only involved in the series but committed to take the next step toward its championship. While Johnny Sauter continues to savor a 20-point championship lead, largest of 2011, his team is putting the finishing touches on what will be by far the largest, most state-of-the-art NCWTS–only facility. The 100,000 square–foot headquarters will be operational in the next several weeks with a grand opening planned for Aug. 17. The facility will house three teams: Sauter’s, the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet of Matt Crafton and the No. 98 Chevrolet of newcomer Dakoda Armstrong, who is set to make his debut on July 16 at Iowa Speedway. ThorSport, owned by husband and wife Duke and Rhonda Thorson, is based in Sandusky, Ohio, far from the Charlotte area home to virtually every fulltime NASCAR national series team. The Thorsons wouldn’t have it any other way and would be pleased to join 2004 NCWTS champion Bobby Hamilton as the only team based outside North Carolina to win a series title. “It opens a new chapter for ThorSport Racing and gives us the ability to grow this organization into the future,” said Pepper. “This is truly a long–term business plan that will help us offer substantially more resources and support to our employees, sponsor partners and crew members as well as our series.”(NASCAR PR) [For more of NASCAR’s Open Week News & Notes, see the Kentucky Race page.](6-29-2011)
