ThorSport Racing announced today that Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter will return to drive for the Sandusky, Ohio based team in 2012. Crafton and Sauter both signed deals which will keep them behind the wheel of their current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rides next season under the ThorSport Racing banner, owned by Duke and Rhonda Thorson. Recently, the organization opened its doors to the 100,000-square foot racing facility in Sandusky, Ohio. ThorSport Racing has competed in the Truck Series since 1996 and has had at least one truck starting in more races than any NCWTS team – making them the longest tenured team in the Series. The team has six wins, eleven poles and has led the series in driver points 13 of 17 weeks in 2011 between both Crafton and Sauter. Crafton, the 35-year-old driver of the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado, currently has 239 starts with ThorSport Racing and will be embarking on his 12th full-time season with the team. The Tulare, California native made his ThorSport Racing debut in the last event of the 2000 NCWTS season and currently holds the title of the longest relationship between an active driver and team in the series. He also extends the longest sponsor-team relationship in the Series as Crafton continues for an 11th year with Menards. Crafton has earned two wins and six poles in his Truck Series career and has a best year-end ranking of second in the championship standings (in 2010). Next season will be Sauter’s fourth with the team. The 33-year-old driver from Necedah, Wisconsin took NCWTS Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 behind the wheel of the #13 Chevrolet. In his 67 starts for the team over the last three years, Sauter has three wins and four poles, and has led the point standings for 10 of 17 weeks during the 2011 season by Atlanta. He has earned a best year-end ranking of third in the championship standings (in 2010). “We have three quality drivers in our stable at ThorSport Racing, and that’s great for the Series as well as our growing sponsorship and partnership programs,” said Matt LaNeve, Vice President of Motorsports Partnerships. “We’re looking forward to seeing Matt, Johnny and Dakoda continue a strong tradition of excellence in 2012.” Program details regarding sponsorship of the #88 and #13 Chevrolet Silverados are forthcoming.(ThorSport Racing PR)(9-8-2011)
