The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series points leader is splitting up with his team in a surprise, mid-season move.
Ricky Thornton Jr., who’s topped the national tour and earned 19 victories over the 2024 season, has parted ways with SSI Motorsports.
“Todd (Burns) and I met today, and he expressed that he felt the last few months hadn’t been going in the direction that he envisioned for SSI Motorsports and has decided to hire another driver,” Thornton Jr. said in a press release. “This was extremely unexpected for our family and team both, however we ultimately must respect the decision that Todd has made for his family and business. We will never be able to express enough gratitude towards SSI Motorsports for taking a chance on a Modified guy four years ago. We’d especially like to thank Anthony Burroughs, DJ Williams, Justin Tharp, and Chris Jayko for the time they invested to ensure Ricky’s success over the past few years.”
Along with leading the national tour, Thornton Jr. also leads the point standings in the Castrol FloRacing Night in America midweek mini-series and sits second in XR Super Series standings.
“We are currently searching for the next opportunity that will best fit our family. With us leading the standings on two tours added with a lot of momentum we have going for us so far this season, I hope that I can find something as soon as possible.”
Thornton Jr. did confirm via a Facebook comment that he has a ride secured for Monday’s Castrol FloRacing Night in America Series at Lincoln Speedway.
