Dean Thompson will be on the move in 2027, as he’ll join Haas Factory Team for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, the organization announced on Saturday morning ahead of the Iowa Speedway race weekend.
Thompson’s longtime partners, MCM Transportation and Thompson Pipe Group, will come along with the driver at his new team.
“I’m thrilled to join Haas Factory Team as the next step in my NASCAR journey,” Thompson said in a team press release. “I am looking forward to competing for wins and a championship with support from MCM Transportation and Thompson Pipe Group.”
Thompson’s addition was made possible due to an expansion of the Haas Factory Team, which will expand to three full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entries next season. The number of Thompson’s HFT Chevrolet will be revealed at a later date, along with the crew chief who will lead the new third HFT team.
Haas Factory Team likes the progression they’ve seen from Thompson over the last couple of seasons with Sam Hunt Racing, and feel that the driver and the third team will only strengthen the HFT organization next season.
“We’re excited to welcome Dean to Haas Factory Team. He has shown strong progression throughout his time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and we believe he will compete at the highest level,” said Joe Custer, President of Haas Factory Team, in a press release. “Along with our growing affiliate program, the addition of a third full-time entry continues to strengthen our organization.”
While the 24-year-old racer showed signs of speed early in his NASCAR National Series career, he had a hard time finding his footing initially. After finishes of 23rd and 20th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship standings in 2022 and 2023, Thompson elevated to the 16th-place spot in the standings in 2024.
A year later, he joined Sam Hunt Racing, where he has impressed in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
In 57 career starts in the NOAPS, Thompson has one top-five finish and 10 top-10s. The Anaheim, CA, native finished 16th in the championship fight during his rookie campaign last season, and ranks 18th after 22 races in the 2026 campaign.
