THOMAS TO CHASE USAC SPRINT TITLE WITH HOFFMAN IN 2018
Kevin Thomas, Jr., the winningest USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car driver in 2017, has partnered with Hoffman Auto Racing to chase a series title aboard the iconic Dynamics No. 69 for the 2018 season.
In 2017, Thomas led all drivers with six USAC Sprint Car wins, including the season-finale “Oval Nationals” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway in November. Additionally, he captured the Indiana Sprint Week crown in July on his way to a career-best third-place finish in the final USAC standings despite missing the opening two races of the season. The Cullman, Alabama driver owns 18 career series wins, tied for 27th all-time.
“I’m grateful to be able to add my name to the long list of people who have driven for Hoffman Racing,” Thomas said. “When Mr. Hoffman approached me, I was kind of shocked. It’s a great opportunity and I’m incredibly thankful to get to be a small piece of their history. We’re going to make a run at the sprint car championship. I think it’d be cool to get them their 12th title. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing season this past year and I hope we can duplicate it in 2018. I’m really looking forward to driving the No.69.”
At the top of the list in terms of USAC Sprint Car owner victories and championships is the Hoffman family. Since 1957, the team has attained 101 total victories (96 National, 2 Midwest and 3 Special Events) as well as 11 USAC National Sprint titles with drivers Rich Vogler, Steve Butler, Robbie Stanley, Dave Darland, Tracy Hines, Jerry Coons, Jr. and Brady Bacon. The Hoffman team won once in 2017 with driver Chad Boespflug at Bloomington (Ind.) Speedway in April.
“We were thrilled to be able to work out a partnership with KT to acquire his considerable driving talents for 2018,” Richard Hoffman, owner and president of Hoffman Auto Racing said. “We are confident that this combination will keep us in the hunt for the 2018 season to win races and that 12th USAC National Sprint Car Championship we are pursuing.”
The 2018 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car season begins February 15-16-17 with “Winter Dirt Games” at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.