ThorSport Racing Tabs Cole Butcher for 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Season

Cole Butcher will make the jump full-time to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, as the Canadian Late Model standout will drive for ThorSport Racing.

ThorSport Racing announced Butcher will drive the team's No. 13 entry full-time during the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. He will join Ben Rhodes, Jake Garcia and Ty Majeski as part of the team's lineup.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Duke, Rhonda, and Allison Thorson for giving me this opportunity in 2026,” said Butcher. “This team has a long history of success and championships, to be trusted with the No. 13 Ford F-150 full-time is something I don’t take lightly. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work with this group.”

Butcher won the ASA STARS National Tour championship in 2025, as well as titles in the ASA Southern Super Series and ASA/CRA Super Series. Majeski is also a former ASA STARS National Tour champion, winning out in a title fight with Butcher during the tour's inaugural season in 2023.

Butcher has also won several of the biggest Late Model races in North America. The Nova Scotia native is a two-time winner in both the Oxford 250 and Redbud 400, as well as a past winner in the Winchester 400.

Before appearing more frequently in marquee events in the United States, Butcher was a two-time champion in the Maritime Pro Stock Tour, claiming the title in 2016 and 2018.

Butcher made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2025 at Bristol Motor Speedway, finishing 23rd. He also competed in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, collected in a late-race accident before another 23rd-place finish.

Partner announcements for the No. 13 Ford F-150 will be made at a later date.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season begins at Friday, February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. The green flag waves at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on FS1, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy