Filling in the last piece of their 2017 race-lineup puzzle, 2015 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion Grant Enfinger will join ThorSport Racing and drive the No. 98 Toyota Tundra beginning with next month’s NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway, CATCHFENCE.com has confirmed.
Enfinger, 32, stormed into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) spotlight when he captured his first series win in dominating fashion last Oct. at Talladega Superspeedway, a part of a seven-race deal with GMS Racing.
This year, the Fairhope, Ala. native will contend for not only the series championship, but Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as well. He unites with previously announced ThorSport Racing drivers Matt Crafton, Cody Coughlin and Ben Rhodes to complete the team’s four-truck lineup this season.
Several sponsors will join Enfinger at the Sandusky, OH-based team. Enfinger’s relationship with Champion Power Equipment will continue, while boasting additional sponsorship from Jive Communications, RIDE TV and Curb Records throughout the 23-race schedule.
“I’m extremely grateful to ThorSport Racing and Toyota for the opportunity to drive full time in the NASCAR Camping World truck series,” said Grant Enfinger.
“This is a dream come true, and I’m blessed to be able to share this season with some great people. I’m proud to be continuing the partnership with Champion Power Equipment, along with starting new ones with Jive Communications, RIDE TV, and Curb Records. I’m very impressed with the people, equipment, and facility that Duke and Rhonda Thorson have assembled, and I can’t wait to get to Daytona in a few weeks.”
Enfinger is the defending NCWTS pole sitter at Daytona.
Jeff Hensley will guide Enfinger as crew chief. Hensley returns to ThorSport Racing after a brief sabbatical. Previously, the longtime industry veteran spent two seasons with the team calling the shots for reigning Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter in 2014 and Cameron Hayley in 2015. With 13 wins to his credit, 2017 will mark the 14th year atop of the pit box in the series.
Doted as a gifted racer, Enfinger has experienced success in literally every level he has competed in.
From his go-kart days at the age of 11, the Alabamian progressed from Legends to Super Late Models and then ARCA. In his championship run with GMS, he amassed a career-high six wins, three poles, 13 top-five and 16 top-10 finishes in 20 races.
Since 2010, Enfinger holds 14 NCWTS starts with one pole, one win, two top-five and five top-10s overall. He has led 50 laps in three races.
Outside of the cockpit, Enfinger holds a marketing degree from the University of South Alabama School of Business.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
