Ricky Thornton Jr. Claims $200,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Championship Title

Ricky Thornton Jr. Claims $200,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Championship Title

By Michael Anderson

January 1, 2025 at 10:21 PM

Ricky Thornton Jr. has secured the 2024 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship, earning $200,000 in prize money alongside multiple performance awards. The series completed 53 A-Main events with record-high participation averaging 48.3 cars per event.

Men stand on presentation stage

Men stand on presentation stage

Thornton dominated the season with 14 victories, 34 top-five finishes, and 41 top-ten performances, becoming the ninth different champion in the series' 20-year history.

Drake Troutman claimed Rookie of the Year honors, securing his first national touring win and earning $20,000 plus product support from various sponsors. The 19-year-old achieved five top-five and 15 top-ten finishes in his debut season.

Key Awards and Winners:

  • Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Year: Longhorn Chassis (4th consecutive year)
  • ARP Engine Builder of the Year: Clements Racing Engines (4th consecutive year)
  • Arizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup: Devin Moran ($15,000)
  • Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge: Devin Moran ($15,000)
  • Sunoco Race for Gas: Ricky Thornton Jr. ($3,000)

Final Championship Standings (Top 5):

  1. Ricky Thornton Jr. - 6,910 points ($652,060.18)
  2. Devin Moran - 6,850 points ($551,446.18)
  3. Jonathan Davenport - 6,780 points ($521,116.18)
  4. Tim McCreadie - 6,765 points ($357,816.18)
  5. Hudson O'Neal - 5,985 points ($274,669.18)

Earl Pearson Jr. and Al Varnadore received the Mike Swims Award of Excellence for their significant contributions to dirt track racing. Pearson concluded his 19-year full-time career with four titles and 40 victories, while Varnadore was recognized for his 22-year leadership at East Bay Raceway Park.

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