Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) announces today that the organization will expand to two full-time entries in 2026, both with full-time drivers. Dean Thompson, who broke multiple organizational records in his rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Season, will return to the No. 26 GR Supra. Harrison Burton, a NASCAR Cup Series winner and 2025 NXS playoff driver, will pilot the No. 24 GR Supra full-time.

“It’s extremely fulfilling for me to not only see SHR’s on-track growth, but to witness the organization’s culture continue to blossom. We have created a competitive environment that attracts good people, and I believe the human element is the most important component to building a successful race team,” said Sam Hunt, Owner/President of Sam Hunt Racing. “I couldn’t be prouder of Dean’s maturity, humility, and work ethic this year. His on-track success is a direct result of his growth as a person, and his buy-in to wanting not only himself, but this entire organization to succeed. He has more than earned his spot within this team and this garage. Bringing Harrison in full-time is another major step in this team’s growth process, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him. He not only brings a new level of experience to SHR but is the perfect fit for our team’s culture and vision. I am grateful to everyone involved and am ready to get to work on our next step.”

Sam Hunt Racing has been competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since its debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2019. As each year passes, SHR continues to grow and break barriers in NASCAR’s second-tier national series, proving considerable strength and grit as the team fights for its much anticipated first win.

“We are excited to provide support for Sam and the entire Sam Hunt Racing team on their expansion to two full-time teams in 2026,” said Jack Irving, general manager, TRD U.S.A. “Sam has bought into the Toyota and TRD culture from our partnership’s early beginnings, and is truly part of our family. We are thrilled to see how Dean has performed in their equipment this season, and with the addition of a talented driver like Harrison, we are confident they will continue that upward trajectory with many new firsts and team milestones achieved next season.”

Dean Thompson will return behind the wheel of the No. 26 GR Supra after a breakout rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series alongside Crew Chief Kris Bowen. Thompson, who has become a well-respected competitor amongst the series’ veterans, has successfully broken many organizational records at Sam Hunt Racing. The 24-year-old captured the team’s first stage win at Rockingham Speedway, becoming the third driver in SHR history to lead laps and first to lead laps in two different events. Thompson has elevated SHR at several tracks this season, including establishing a new team-best superspeedway finish, recording SHR’s first top-five at Charlotte Motor Speedway and securing solid results at other intermediate tracks like Kansas Speedway. The Anaheim, California native has secured one top-five and seven top-10 finishes in his rookie season.

Harrison Burton, with Brian Gainey returning to lead the charge, joins Sam Hunt Racing as the first full-time driver of the team’s No. 24 GR Supra entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The duo joined forces previously in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at fellow Toyota organization Joe Gibbs Racing where Gainey worked as a Mechanic. During this time, Burton and Gainey went on to win a total of 4 races together. The North Carolina native has proven himself across NASCAR’s various series, notably earning his first Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway in 2023, locking him into the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Burton has competed at the NASCAR Xfinity Series level for four years, making 2026 Burton’s fifth year in the series. This current season, Burton captured several top-ten finishes in the first half of the season and locked into the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs. Burton’s wealth of experience makes him a strong addition to Sam Hunt Racing’s lineup. Coming into next season, Burton is invested to build on his progress in the NXS and make an immediate impact in his debut season with the team.

Additional information on Sam Hunt Racing’s 2026 plans, including team partnerships, will be released at a later date.

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!