Former Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter set for Indianapolis return with Hattori Racing

Former NASCAR Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter is set to return for his third race of the 2024 season. He will collaborate with Hattori Racing Enterprises to take part in the TSport 200 race at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Sauter remains one of the longest-running drivers of the Truck Series. Having made his debut over two decades ago in 2003, the 46-year-old competed for multiple teams across his career, winning the Championship in 2016 with GMS Racing.

Sauter’s career has seen him compete in 322 Truck Series races, amassing 24 victories throughout his career. Since parting ways with ThorSport Racing after the 2021 season, Sauter’s appearances in the Truck Series have been sporadic.

He0d is now set to return for his third Truck race of the season, this time with Hattori Racing Enterprises. He will pilot the No. 16 Toyota for the outfit. Sauter and HRE previously competed together in the Xfinity Series.

Notably, the No. 16 Toyota Tundra has made its sole appearance this season at North Wilkesboro Speedway but did not qualify for the event.

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Johnny Sauter reacts to Truck Series return with Hattori Racing

In an official press release, Sauter expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the Truck Series with Hattori Racing, stating:

"IRP is a unique track, it has a very unique layout with multi-groove racing. I think track position is going to be key and staying up front out of trouble is the goal."

Johnny Sauter will also team up with Richie Wauters, his former crew chief. The duo has a rich history together, having worked extensively in various divisions of short-track racing across the United States. Reflecting on teaming up with Wauters once again, Sauter said:

“Getting back to the Truck Series with Richie [Wauters] has been something I’ve been looking forward to since we first discussed racing at Indianapolis Raceway Park, a couple weeks ago. I want to thank Shige Hattori for the opportunity to drive the No. 16 AISIN Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the TSport 200."

Shige Hattori, the team owner, also expressed his excitement about Johnny Sauter joining the team. He stated:

"We’re excited to have Johnny behind the wheel of our #16 AISIN Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Indianapolis Raceway Park. His experience in the series, with many different platforms of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series trucks, will be invaluable. He understands the unique challenges of these vehicles and this bullring-style track. Johnny will also give us a great understanding of where we are at as a team and give us some valuable feedback."

The TSport 200 race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will be Johnny Sauter's third race of the season. Piloting the No. 45 Chevy for Niece Motorsports, he finished 29th in Daytona and 17th in Texas.