NASCAR Next driver to make first national series start at Dover
Team Little Racing announced Friday afternoon that it has reached an agreement with ThorSport Racing for a part-time schedule for NASCAR Next driver Jesse Little in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season.
Little, 18, had previously announced that he would make his truck tour debut May 29 at Dover International Speedway. Friday’s announcement provided extra detail on his 2015 plans, including the partnership with ThorSport — winner of the last two Camping World Truck Series championships with veteran Matt Crafton.
“To have this alliance and support from ThorSport Racing for my Truck Series Events is a huge step forward for me, Team Little Racing and our partners,” Little said in a release provided by his team. “Our goals are to put together solid finishes and represent ThorSport Racing, Duke Thorson and our sponsors including NASCAR Technical Institute and Performance Friction Brakes in a first-class manner.”
Thorson has fielded trucks in the series since 1996. His three-truck effort this season includes rides for Crafton, Johnny Sauter and rookie Cameron Hayley.
“We look forward to supporting Jesse as he makes his transition into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” Thorson said. “We feel that this alliance with (Little) will assist him in reaching his ultimate goal in NASCAR.”
Little will have a familiar face atop the pit box in Harold Holly, a 19-time winner as a crew chief in what is now called the NASCAR XFINITY Series. The veteran wrench spent two seasons as crew chief for Little’s father, Chad, in both XFINITY and Sprint Cup competition.
“Jesse is an impressive young man in so many aspects of life,” Holly said. “He’s a strong student, treats everyone with respect and is eager to learn new things. From a racing perspective Jesse has won at every level he’s competed on, takes care of his equipment, provides his team with good feedback and knows how to pace himself during a race. This partnership with ThorSport Racing will give us a chance to compete at one of the sport’s top levels where Jesse can show his skills.
“We have solid goals, will work to be a good teammate and always be respectful on the track. As a team we’re excited to get to Dover and see what our team can do in our Camping World Truck Series debut.”
Jesse Little is in his fourth season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he was the rookie of the year in 2013.