After bringing its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program to Toyota Racing Development in 2021, ThorSport Racing looks poised to make another manufacturer change for the 2023 season, according to a report from Lee Spencer of RacinBoys.com.
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The four-truck organization – which is set to make its third manufacturer change since 2017 – has previously spent three seasons as part of the Ford Performance family, in which time they captured the 2019 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series title.
As part of the report, Spencer states that Hailie Deegan – a member of Ford Performance’s driver development program – is expected to take over the seat vacated by Christian Eckes, who was announced Tuesday as the new driver of McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s No. 19.
ThorSport Racing debuted in the NASCAR Truck Series as a Chevrolet operation in 1996, staying with the manufacturer for nearly 15 seasons, before switching to Toyota in 2012. That relationship lasted six seasons, before the team’s three-year stint at Ford, which ended in favor of a Toyota partnership for 2021.
The organization has been able to secure four Driver’s Championships in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series over its 25-year tenure in the third-tier series. Matt Crafton captured 2013, 2014, and 2019 championships, while Ben Rhodes won the 2021 Truck Series title.
As for Hailie Deegan, the 2023 campaign will mark her third full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which has netted her a total of three top-10 results with David Gilliland Racing.
Earlier this season, the Temecula, California-native made her debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, earning a 13th-place result for SS Green Light Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The No. 07 was a fully-prepped Stewart-Haas Racing entry in said event.
The report from Lee Spencer didn’t include an expectation of an announcement date, however, ThorSport Racing told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass on Monday, that the organization was still working through their 2023 plans.
Christian Eckes to drive McAnally Hilgeman Racing No. 19 truck in 2023. Eckes departure from ThorSport opens up a seat potentially for Hailie Deegan (ThorSport would have to switch to Ford). ThorSport indicated to me last night nothing to announce as they work on 2023 plans.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 6, 2022
One Response
Glad to seeHallie moving UP. Hope to see her in Exfintiy sooner than alter. SHR, needs to keep her under their wing.