This afternoon, Rackley W.A.R. announced from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) that Dawson Sutton will be the team’s full-time driver for the upcoming 2025 NCTS race season, which kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in February.
Dawson is set to drive the No. 26 for Rackley Roofing Company, Inc. and W.A.R. Shocks. This truck serves as the team’s second entry, and the No. 26 has personal significance for Sutton, as it has been his number since he began racing in U.S. Legends and through his successes in Pro and Super Late Models. The number also holds nostalgic value for team co-owner Willie Allen, who used it for most of his Late Model driving career.
Sutton made his debut in the NCTS earlier this year during the All-Star weekend at North Wilkesboro on May 18, followed by the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway in June. After the race at Bristol in August, the team announced that the 18-year-old from Lebanon, Tennessee, would take on the primary driver roles for the 2024 race season, starting in Kansas. He achieved a career-best fifth-place finish and expressed that the new opportunity leaves him “beyond words.”
“This really is an incredible opportunity,” he stated. “I’ve dreamed of this day, and my goal is to reach the NASCAR Cup Series, which represents the best of the best. It’s hard to believe right now, but I recognize the significant task ahead of me, and that’s how I choose to approach it.
“I’m racing alongside Kevin Harvick this weekend at Las Vegas [The Bullring] in our Super Late Models, and working with him has been amazing. I’m excited to return to the truck for the Homestead-Miami race in a couple of weeks, then on to Martinsville and Phoenix.”
Willie Allen, co-owner of Rackley W.A.R., who was present at LVMS’s “The Bullring” for the CARS Tour West Super Late Model race with Sutton and Harvick driving on Friday, remarked that he is not surprised by Dawson’s quick rise in the sport.
“I don’t believe there’s anything he can’t accomplish,” Allen noted. “He possesses an admirable work ethic and never takes this for granted. He strives to be the best in every situation. His learning curve has been swift in everything he has pursued, and I anticipate that will continue in the [NASCAR CRAFTSMAN] Truck Series. We have a strong confidence in him to effectively represent our team and partners moving forward.”
Curtis, Dawson’s father and team co-owner, expressed pride in his son and mentioned how meaningful it is to share this opportunity with him and their family.
“When we commenced this journey three years ago, I made it clear to him that he had three years to prove himself. He took that seriously and dedicated himself to honing his skills,” Curtis explained. “I couldn’t directly teach him how to race. Instead, I relied on the expertise of Willie Allen, Ron and Candice Hornaday, and Joe Ryan to assess whether he could truly succeed. And he has.
“Racing isn’t just a business; it’s a family. Whether by blood or not, it’s still a family. However, when your family is on the road for 50 or more races a year, it’s truly special. I’m proud of him, as is his mother. She spent countless days traveling during his early U.S. Legends career while I balanced between his events and those in the truck series. Watching everything come full circle is a storybook moment for our family and for all the dedicated members of Rackley W.A.R. and Rackley Roofing Company.”
Allen indicated that the team will announce further partnerships and strategic alliances as they progress.
The 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs resume at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
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Dawson Sutton Named Full-Time Driver for Rackley W.A.R. in 2025 NASCAR Truck Series
In an exciting announcement that has captured the attention of NASCAR fans and insiders alike, Dawson Sutton has been named the full-time driver for Rackley W.A.R. in the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series. This decision marks a significant step in Sutton’s racing career and highlights Rackley W.A.R.’s commitment to developing young talent in the sport. This article will delve into Sutton’s journey, the implications of this announcement, and what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
Dawson Sutton: A Rising Star in NASCAR
Dawson Sutton, hailing from North Carolina, has been making waves in the racing community since he started in go-karting at a young age. His transition to stock car racing has been nothing short of impressive. Here’s a brief overview of his racing career:
- Early Beginnings: Sutton began racing at the age of 8, swiftly moving through various racing series.
- Late Model Success: He secured multiple wins in the Late Model Division, showcasing his talent and determination.
- NASCAR Truck Series Debut: Dawson made his Truck Series debut in 2023, driving a part-time schedule and quickly proving himself.
Why Rackley W.A.R. Chose Dawson Sutton
Rackley W.A.R. has been keen on nurturing young drivers, and their choice of Dawson Sutton as their full-time driver for the 2025 season speaks volumes about his potential. Here are a few reasons why Sutton was the ideal choice:
- Consistency: During his part-time stint, Sutton demonstrated a consistent performance, finishing in the top 10 multiple times.
- Adaptability: His ability to adapt to different tracks and racing conditions has set him apart from his peers.
- Team Chemistry: Sutton has already built a strong rapport with the Rackley W.A.R. team, which is essential for success in NASCAR.
Expectations for the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series Season
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Dawson Sutton and Rackley W.A.R. Here are some expectations and insights into what fans can look forward to:
Performance Goals
With Sutton at the helm, Rackley W.A.R. aims to achieve several performance milestones:
- Top 5 Finishes: Targeting multiple top 5 finishes throughout the season.
- Playoff Contention: Aiming for a spot in the NASCAR Truck Series playoffs, which would be a significant achievement for the young driver.
- Brand Growth: Enhancing the team’s visibility through strategic partnerships and sponsorships.
Key Races to Watch
As the season approaches, certain races will be crucial for Sutton and the Rackley W.A.R. team. Here’s a quick look at some must-watch events:
| Race | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona 250 | February 2025 | Daytona International Speedway |
| Eldora Dirt Derby | July 2025 | Eldora Speedway |
| Texas Motor Speedway | March 2025 | Fort Worth, Texas |
Benefits of Dawson Sutton’s Full-Time Role
There are numerous benefits associated with Sutton’s full-time role at Rackley W.A.R. that will not only influence his career but also the team and its sponsors:
- Increased Stability: A full-time position offers Sutton the chance to develop his skills further and build on his racing experience.
- Sponsor Engagement: With a consistent driver, sponsors can engage more effectively, knowing who will represent their brand throughout the season.
- Fan Connection: Fans are more likely to support a driver consistently competing for a single team, creating a stronger fanbase.
First-Hand Experience: A Conversation with Dawson Sutton
We had the opportunity to speak with Dawson Sutton about his new role and what it means to him:
“I am beyond thrilled to be named the full-time driver for Rackley W.A.R. in 2025. This opportunity is a dream come true for me, and I can’t wait to hit the track and show what we can achieve as a team. The support from the team has been incredible, and I am excited to build on our past performances and make some noise in the Truck Series!”
Case Study: Other Young Drivers in NASCAR
Dawson Sutton isn’t the first young driver to make an impact in the NASCAR Truck Series. Here are a few notable examples of young talents who have successfully transitioned into full-time roles:
| Driver | Team | Year Started | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Rhodes | ThorSport Racing | 2015 | 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion |
| Sheldon Creed | GMS Racing | 2019 | 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion |
| Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports | 2020 | Multiple race wins in Truck Series |
Practical Tips for Aspiring NASCAR Drivers
For young drivers looking to follow in Dawson Sutton’s footsteps, here are some practical tips:
- Start Early: Get involved in racing as young as possible. Karting can be an excellent way to develop your skills.
- Focus on Fitness: Physical fitness is crucial for endurance during long races. Incorporate a fitness regimen into your routine.
- Seek Sponsorship: Building relationships with potential sponsors can provide the financial backing needed to advance your career.
- Network: Attend racing events and build connections within the industry. Networking can lead to opportunities and mentorship.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Dawson Sutton and Rackley W.A.R.
The 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season promises to be a defining moment for both Dawson Sutton and Rackley W.A.R. With a strong foundation laid and growing support from fans and sponsors, the duo is poised for success. The coming months will be pivotal as they prepare for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in the world of NASCAR.
