“Seriously, they preferred him over Jeffrey Earnhardt”: NASCAR fans slam Sam Hunt Racing for choosing Dean Thompson

Dean Thompson is set to make his first full-time appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) in the 2025 season. On Tuesday, Sam Hunt Racing announced that Thompson will drive the #26 Toyota GR Supra beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway with primary sponsorship from Thompson Pipe Group.

Kris Bowen will serve as the crew chief of Thompson throughout the entire 33-race Xfinity Series schedule.

After SHR announced Thompson as a part of its 2025 Xfinity Series driver lineup on X, fans took to social media platforms to voice their opinions. Sam Hunt Racing is facing backlash over its announcement.

Several fans criticized Sam Hunt Racing’s decision to sign Dean Thompson instead of experienced Jeffrey Earnhardt. While some questioned why the team didn’t go with potential drivers like Ryan Truex and Corey Heim. One fan wrote:

“Seriously, they preferred Dean Thompson over Jeffrey Earnhardt or Ryan Truex? What is it about these teams that like to spend so much money on drivers that they will definitely crash their car every weekend”

“This is why the sport doesn’t have the fans like it used to. It’s not about talent., it’s bout $$&. He has done nothing in a championship caliber team in trucks but now is in Xfinity” another fan wrote.

“How’s he managed that then” a third fan commented.

“Failing upwards I can think of 20 or more drivers that deserve that ride over him” another user added.

“No word on Ryan Truex?” a fifth user wrote.

“Is Corey Heim poor? Like he brings no money?” commented another fan.

Both Earnhardt and Truex indeed have more experience competing in the Xfinity Series than Thompson.

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Dean Thompson makes his feelings known about his rookie Xfinity season with Sam Hunt Racing

The 23-year-old Anaheim, California, native jumped to the Xfinity Series after spending the last three seasons in the Truck Series. He is grateful to SHR for giving him the opportunity to continue to pursue his dream of racing in NASCAR and is looking forward to making it count.

In a team release, Thompson said (via tobychristie.com):

“I’m very excited to join the Sam Hunt Racing group and continue to pursue my dreams in NASCAR. I’m lucky to have this opportunity to take the next step, which most can only dream of reaching, and I’m grateful to share it with such an awesome group of people.”

Thompson made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Sam Hunt Racing last season, where he racked up a 34th-place finish. He made his second start in the postseason at Talladega Superspeedway, which resulted in a 20th-place finish. He will look to perform well and leave his mark in his rookie season.