In a significant development for the NASCAR Truck Series, veteran driver Ty Dillon has been replaced by 18-year-old rookie Dawson Sutton as the primary driver of the No. 25 truck for Rackley WAR Racing. Dillon, who has had a respectable season but struggled to break into top-tier finishes, will now transition to a mentoring role within the team. The change, effective immediately, is designed to prepare Sutton for a more prominent role in NASCAR, with Dillon remaining onboard to guide and coach the young driver through the remainder of the season.Dillon’s shift to a mentorship position underscores the team’s focus on nurturing emerging talent while maintaining competitive standards. This move aligns with Rackley WAR’s broader strategic goals of long-term talent development. Sutton, who has previously competed in Late Model races and made two Truck Series starts earlier this year, brings youthful enthusiasm and adaptability to the team, qualities that the team believes will help them remain competitive in the evolving NASCAR landscape.
Dillon is replaced in the Rackley WAR Chevy no. 25 in the NASCAR Truck Series and Dawson Sutton takes his place effective immediately. Dawson Sutton, who is the son of team co-owner Curtis Sutton, takes over for Dillon after his recent Truck Series debut. Despite being only 18 years old, Sutton has shown promise, although he has limited experience. His Truck Series experience includes two starts: a 28th-place finish at North Wilkesboro and an 18th-place finish at Nashville. Dillon’s performance in the Rackley WAR Chevy no. 25 has been moderately disappointing, with only two top-10 finishes recorded this season. This is in stark contrast to the achievements of his predecessor, Matt DiBenedetto. DiBenedetto has seven top-10s, including a win at Talladega in 2022. After that, he qualified for the playoffs with 12 top-10s in 20 races, including two third-place finishes. With the driver. The role is gone, Dillon will remain with Rackley WAR as a mentor for the rest of the season. Acknowledging his sudden departure, Dillon posted on social media: Dawson Sutton, who is the son of team co-owner Curtis Sutton, is taking Dillon’s place after his recent debut in the Truck Series. Despite being only 18 years old, Sutton has shown promise, although he has limited experience. His Truck Series experience includes two starts: a 28th-place finish at North Wilkesboro and an 18th-place finish at Nashville.
Dillon’s performance in the Rackley WAR Chevy no. 25 was moderately disappointing, with only two endings. in the top 10 recorded this season. This is in stark contrast to the achievements of his predecessor, Matt DiBenedetto. During his tenure, DiBenedetto has seven top-10s, including a win at Talladega in 2022. After that, he qualified for the playoffs with 12 top-10s in 20 races, including two thirds since he left his leadership role, Dillon it has to be stay with Rackley WAR as a mentor for the rest of the season. Acknowledging his sudden departure, Dillon posted on social media:
Sutton’s promotion is part of Rackley WAR’s strategic pivot toward investing in the next generation of drivers, showcasing a blend of fresh talent and experienced leadership. Dillon has expressed his support for this decision, noting his excitement about mentoring Sutton and focusing on his future goals. Dillon, who has been linked to a potential full-time Cup Series drive with Kaulig Racing in 2025, views this transition as an opportunity to contribute to the team’s success while preparing for his future ambitions.For Rackley WAR, the decision to place Sutton in the driver’s seat reflects a commitment to fostering new talent while leveraging the experience of veterans like Dillon. Willie Allen, co-owner of Rackley WAR, emphasized the importance of Dillon’s role not just as a driver but also as a mentor. This combination of youth and experience is seen as a critical factor in the team’s ongoing development and success.
As Sutton steps into the spotlight, the motorsport world will closely watch how he adapts to the NASCAR Truck Series. His limited experience in the series will be a challenge, but the guidance of Dillon and the support of the team provide him with a solid foundation. The team’s plans for the 2025 season remain under wraps, but the remainder of 2024 will serve as a crucial learning period for Sutton, who hopes to make a name for himself in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.
This driver change highlights Rackley WAR’s broader strategy of balancing immediate competitive performance with long-term talent development, ensuring the team stays competitive while nurturing its future stars.
