Dean Thompson has already made a name for himself as an underdog in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series, but now, in his first full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, he’s proving he belongs at the next level. After an impressive eighth-place finish at Daytona, Thompson and Steven Harwell Racing (SHR) are off to a strong start—building chemistry and momentum in one of the most competitive rookie battles in recent memory.
“It’s why I’m here, man. We gel really well,” Thompson said after Daytona. “I think we kind of complete what we need for each other.”
His words reflect the growing synergy between driver and team—something critical for a first-year Xfinity Series driver facing off against some of the most hyped rookies in the sport.
A Tough Xfinity Rookie Class
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie class is stacked. Thompson isn’t just battling a couple of rookies—he’s up against a deep field of young talent, many backed by powerhouse organizations. This year’s crop includes:
• Connor Zilisch – A rising road course ace with a strong development pipeline.
• Nick Sanchez – The former ARCA champion with Truck Series experience and Cup potential.
• Jesse Love – The highly touted prospect from Toyota’s pipeline.
• Other rising stars from various backgrounds, all looking to make their mark.
For a first-year Xfinity team like SHR, competing against these well-funded teams isn’t easy. But Thompson and the SHR group are proving they can punch above their weight.
Building a Foundation at SHR
Steven Harwell Racing, a newer team in the Xfinity Series, has been aggressive in building a competitive program. While they don’t have the resources of a JR Motorsports or a Joe Gibbs Racing, SHR is maximizing its potential by focusing on chemistry, smart strategy, and race-by-race improvement.
Thompson’s eighth-place run at Daytona wasn’t just a good start—it was a statement. Superspeedways often level the playing field, but strong finishes require skill, patience, and teamwork. Thompson and SHR executed well, avoiding the big wrecks and positioning themselves for a solid finish.
“We’re building something special here,” Thompson said. “I know we’ve got the speed to be competitive. We just have to keep executing.”
As the season progresses, Thompson’s challenge will be maintaining consistency. Daytona was a strong showing, but how SHR performs on intermediates, short tracks, and road courses will determine whether they can stay in the mix for Rookie of the Year.
The team’s chemistry will be a key factor. As Thompson said, they “complete what we need for each other,” meaning SHR has found a balance that works. Now, the goal is to build on that foundation and prove they belong in the conversation with Xfinity’s best rookies.
If Daytona was any indication, Dean Thompson and Steven Harwell Racing are ready to make noise in 2025.
