21-Year-Old Set to Return for Second Full-Time Campaign with TRICON
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 23, 2023) — TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced this afternoon that Dean Thompson will return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at the helm of the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in 2024.
Thompson, who has set career-highs in both top-fives and top-10s, has enjoyed an uptick in performance since joining the TRICON stable, collecting career-best finishes of third place at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Anaheim, CA native currently sits 20th in the NASCAR Truck Series point standings, up three spots from his rookie campaign.
“I’m thrilled to get back with the guys at TRICON next year. We have a chip on our shoulder and are hungry for a playoff run,” said Thompson. “My team has had my back all year and I’m excited to continue this journey with them. We have some unfinished business.”
The 21-year-old prospect has also impressed in limited ARCA Menards Series starts this season, capturing a pair of runner-up finishes and five top-10s while leading 56 laps in just six starts. To add to his diverse racing schedule in 2023, Thompson has competed in select Trans-Am races and collected a Late Model Stock victory at Tri-County Speedway in April.
“Dean has taken a huge leap in his development this season. He’s had several strong runs, instilling confidence in us that he will continue to grow as a driver at this level,” said TRICON Partner David Gilliland. “He brings a lot of character and energy to the team, and we’re happy he’ll have a home at TRICON for another year.”
The closing round of the 2023 Truck Series season will take place at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, November 3. The race will be televised live on FOX Sports 1. Radio coverage will be provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
About TRICON Garage
TRICON Garage is Toyota Racing Development’s flagship NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series organization fielding five full-time Toyota Tundra TRD Pros. Under ownership by former NASCAR driver David Gilliland, businessman Johnny Gray and industry veteran Kevin Ray, TRICON is actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, North Carolina.
About Thompson Pipe Group
Headquartered in Southern California, Thompson Pipe Group is a manufacturer of reinforced concrete pipe and box, FLOWTITE® and other pipe solutions for storm water, water transmission, sewage, and industrial applications. Thompson manufactures pipe nationwide and is one of few American-owned companies with the ability to supply water/wastewater piping in the United States and Canada.
