Dean Thompson is leaving Sam Hunt Racing after two seasons to join Haas Factory Team in 2027, where he will drive a Chevrolet as the organization expands to three full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entries.
The 24-year-old Anaheim, California native joined Sam Hunt Racing full-time in 2025 after competing in the Craftsman Truck Series from 2022 through 2024 as a full-time driver. He has 57 career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, with one top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
His best finish came at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 2025, when he finished P5. He ended his rookie full-time season 16th in the standings and currently sits 18th in the 2026 championship, with two top-10 finishes through the first 22 races, accumulating 389 points.
Thompson will bring Thompson Pipe Group and MCM Transportation as his primary partners for his new Chevrolet. Haas Factory Team has yet to reveal his car number, crew chief or other details of the entry.
The move gives Thompson a new manufacturer after spending the majority of his recent NASCAR career with Toyota-affiliated teams.
He began his three-year Truck Series stint with Chevrolet-backed Niece Motorsports in 2021 before moving to Tricon Garage for the following two seasons. Across 70 Truck Series starts, he recorded two top 5 finishes and 11 top-10 finishes.
Haas Factory Team, meanwhile, is expanding its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series operation from two cars to three. Sheldon Creed currently drives the No. 00 Chevrolet, while Sam Mayer pilots the No. 41.
Creed has already secured a place in the 2026 Chase after earning his first career victory at EchoPark Speedway, while Mayer enters Iowa 10th in the standings and 29 points above the cutline.
The organization believes Thompson’s development makes him a strong addition to the expanding program.
“We’re excited to welcome Dean to Haas Factory Team. He has shown strong progression throughout his time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and we believe he will compete at the highest level,” team president Joe Custer said.
“Along with our growing affiliate program, the addition of a third full-time entry continues to strengthen our organization,” he added.
Meanwhile, Thompson is also excited about the new opportunity. “I’m thrilled to join Haas Factory Team as the next step in my NASCAR journey,” he said. “I am looking forward to competing for wins and a championship with support from MCM Transportation and Thompson Pipe Group.”
Haas Factory Team’s Chevrolet program began in 2025 after the organization separated from Stewart-Haas Racing. The team also has a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, including the use of Hendrick-built engines.
The expansion comes alongside Haas’ continued Cup Series ambitions. Cole Custer currently drives the organization’s No. 41 Chevrolet, and Joe Custer has said the team still has “unfinished business” in NASCAR’s top division. Haas currently plans to remain a single-car Cup operation.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the team’s existing O’Reilly Series lineup. Custer has indicated that Haas would ideally retain both Creed and Mayer and believes they are capable of progressing to Cup, but their 2027 Cup futures remain up in the air.
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