Ben Rhodes to remain with ThorSport for 2017 NASCAR Truck season

Rhodes, 19, looks to build on his rookie season in the Camping World Truck Series behind the wheel of the No. 27 Toyota Tundra. Crew chief Eddie Troconis, who oversaw Cameron Haley’s effort in 2016, guide Rhodes through his sophomore season. 

"This is an amazing opportunity to be partnered with Toyota and ThorSport Racing again for the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season,” Rhodes said. “The 2016 season had a lot of ups and downs, but we have put all that in the rearview mirror and we’re focused on the year ahead. 

“We have a new team, a new number, and great support from Toyota. With the NASCAR changes to the race and point structure, the No. 27 team will be up front contending for segment wins and race victories to get us into the playoffs and contend for the championship.”

The Louisville, Ky. native won his first career truck pole last season at Martinsville Speedway and finished a career-best second behind Christopher Bell at Gateway Motorsports Park. He earned three top fives and eight top 10s before finishing 14th in his first full season on the truck tour with the Sandusky, Ohio-based organization. 

Rhodes rose through the NASCAR first as the 2014 K&N Pro Series East champion. He was also named Rookie-of-the-Year and Most Popular Driver that season. In 2015, Rhodes attempted 10 races in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. He won the pole at Elkhart Lake and posted two top-10 finishes (Iowa Speedway and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course).

Rhodes will continue to have support from Alpha Energy Solutions. Additional sponsorship will be announced at a later date.