Ricky Thornton Jr. Set To Embark On Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Campaign In ’21
Story By: BEN SHELTON / RICKY THORNTON JR. RACING – ADEL, IA – On the heels of an impressive season where he claimed an overall 38 victories, Ricky Thornton Jr Racing is primed for a new challenge in 2021.
Thornton will take on the ultra-competitive Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series where he’ll compete for the national tour’s Rookie of the Year title in the SSI Motorsports No. 20RT Dyno One Inc./ Excel Floor Covering/ Sub-Surface of Indiana/ Longhorn Chassis / Clements Racing Engine Super Late Model.
“Since I was a little kid my goal has always been to race Late Models,” Thornton said. “Now, to be able to do it with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, it just makes it that much better. Huge thanks to Todd and Vickie Burns, and everyone at SSI Motorsports for giving me this opportunity.”
Rick Thornton Jr. already has several podium appearances in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to his credit, including a breakthrough victory in 2020. Soaring to his first-career win on the tour, Thornton took home $20,000 for his triumph in the 32nd Annual Pittsburgher 100 at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on October 3.
Thornton will kick off his pursuit of the 2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie Title on January 22-23 at Golden Isles Speedway near Brunswick, Ga. A Friday show will post a $12,000 top prize, while Saturday’s feature will offer a $15,000 top prize.
From there, the team, will head to East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla. for six straight nights (January 25-30) of competition. A pair of events at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. are set for February 1-2, with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series “Speedweeks” concluding at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., February 4-6.
