The NASCAR community is preparing for a significant shift as Matt Crafton, the California native famed for driving the No. 88 Menards Truck, announced his retirement following the 2025 season. Ty Majeski, the reigning Truck Series champion, has been selected to take over the No. 88 truck starting in 2026, inheriting a legacy of excellence and dedication.
Matt Crafton’s Extraordinary Career with the No. 88 Truck
Crafton’s impact on NASCAR’s Truck Series is unmatched, with 23 years behind the wheel of the No. 88 Menards Truck cementing his status as a true legend. Over 585 Truck Series starts—a record unlikely to be surpassed—Crafton has consistently delivered top-tier performances. His career boasts 15 victories, 135 top-five finishes, and 331 top-10 results, illustrating a rare level of sustained excellence.
Beyond these impressive stats, Crafton’s achievements include being the only driver in Truck Series history to win consecutive championships. His enduring relationship with Menards, spanning more than two decades, stands as the longest sponsor-driver partnership in NASCAR, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and mutual trust in a sport often defined by change.
Ty Majeski’s New Role: Challenges and Expectations
Taking over the iconic No. 88 truck presents both an exciting opportunity and considerable pressure for Ty Majeski. The defending Truck Series champion received the news as a birthday surprise, marking a pivotal moment in his career. However, the 2025 season has proved difficult for Majeski, who has yet to secure a win heading into the playoffs, despite qualifying as the sixth seed with three playoff points.
The season finale at Richmond offered a promising sign, with Majeski leading 143 of 250 laps and finishing just shy of victory in second place. This performance confirmed that his speed remains a threat, even if wins have so far eluded him. With the playoffs underway, Majeski has a chance to overcome the setbacks of the regular season and aim for championship glory.
Playoff Battle and Legacy Prospects
Corey Heim currently leads the championship race, but NASCAR’s playoffs are known for their unpredictability. If Majeski can recapture the form that earned him the title in 2024, he could join Matt Crafton in a very exclusive group of back-to-back Truck Series champions. Securing a second consecutive championship would honor Crafton’s remarkable legacy while establishing Majeski’s own place in the history of the No. 88 Menards Truck.
Meanwhile, Crafton still has seven races to compete in before his final appearance at the season-ending event in Phoenix, signaling the close of an era for one of NASCAR’s most respected drivers. His farewell will mark the conclusion of a career defined by consistency, skill, and a profound connection to the sport and its fans.
ThorSport Racing’s Symbolic Transition
The handover from Crafton to Majeski represents a pivotal moment for ThorSport Racing. While bidding farewell to their most accomplished driver, the team is simultaneously entrusting their most iconic vehicle to a proven champion. This smooth transition promises continuity in performance and prestige, with the No. 88 truck expected to remain a formidable presence in the Truck Series.
The legacy of the No. 88 truck is far from over; instead, it is evolving. With Majeski at the helm, the tradition of excellence that Crafton built will have the opportunity to continue. As NASCAR fans and competitors watch closely, the question remains whether Majeski can uphold and further the remarkable standards set by his predecessor over two decades of racing.
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