Cole Butcher To Drive ThorSport’s No. 13 in 2026: What You Need to Know

The rumors started swirling late last year, and now we finally have confirmation. Cole Butcher, one of the most respected talents in short-track racing, is making the jump to the national stage. ThorSport Racing has officially announced that the Canadian standout will pilot the No. 13 Ford F-150 full-time for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

This move represents a significant shift for both the driver and the organization. For Butcher, it’s the career break he’s been working toward for over a decade. For ThorSport, it signals a continued strategy of recruiting drivers with deep, proven backgrounds in grassroots racing. Here is everything you need to know about the signing, the timeline, and what we can expect when the haulers arrive in Daytona.

The Announcement: Putting Rumors To Rest

On January 15, 2026, ThorSport Racing ended months of speculation regarding their driver lineup. The team confirmed that 29-year-old Cole Butcher had completed his evaluation sessions earlier in the month and signed the deal to take over the No. 13 seat. This entry has a history of developing talent and hosting veterans alike.

Previous occupants include Jake Garcia and Johnny Sauter. By handing the keys to Butcher, ownership of Duke, Rhonda, and Allison Thorson is making it clear they believe his skills are ready for prime time. Butcher joins a loaded roster that already includes Ben Rhodes and Ty Majeski, placing him in a high-pressure, high-reward environment immediately.

Who is Cole Butcher?

If you strictly follow the national NASCAR series, the name might be new to you. But if you follow short-track racing in North America, Butcher is a household name.Hailing from Nova Scotia, Butcher has spent years building a reputation as a polished, consistent, and aggressive driver. He hasn’t just participated. He has dominated across the ASA, PASS, and Super Late Model circuits. His résumé is undeniably impressive:

• ASA Maritime Pro Stock Tour Champion
• Southern Super Series Champion
• Two-time winner of the prestigious Oxford 250
• Multiple marquee Super Late Model wins across the U.S. and Canada

This isn’t a case of a driver buying a seat without the stats to back it up. Insiders have long viewed Butcher as a top-tier prospect for his racecraft and ability to adapt to different track conditions.

Why ThorSport Made The Call

ThorSport has a history of favoring drivers with strong short-track pedigrees. The transition from heavy, high-horsepower Late Models to NASCAR Trucks is often smoother than the transition to Xfinity cars, and ThorSport knows this better than anyone.

Look at drivers like Ty Majeski, William Byron, or Erik Jones. They all cut their teeth on the same tracks. Butcher has been dominating. They proved that elite short-track talent translates quickly to the Truck Series. ThorSport is betting that Butcher fits this exact mold: a driver with “winning DNA” who just needs the right equipment to run up front.

What Comes Next?

The ink is dry, but the work is just starting. Butcher will immediately begin preseason testing with his new crew. The goal is to build chemistry with his team and engineers before the season opener at Daytona. The 2026 Craftsman Truck Series field is shaping up to be incredibly competitive, with a mix of hungry rookies and entrenched veterans.

The Canadian phenom’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue. He enters the season with a strong support system, championship-winning teammates to lean on, and top-tier equipment. Expect to see more updates regarding sponsorship partners and specific crew assignments in the coming weeks as ThorSport finalizes the rest of its 2026 program.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is happening with Cole Butcher?
A: ThorSport Racing has signed Cole Butcher to drive the No. 13 Ford F-150 for the full 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

Q: Why is this a big deal?
A: This is Butcher’s first full-time shot at a national NASCAR series. It validates his success in the short-track world and gives ThorSport another highly skilled driver with championship potential.

Q: Who are his teammates?
A: Butcher will be racing alongside established talents Ben Rhodes and Ty Majeski, as well as Jake Garcia.

Q: When does he start?
A: He is officially the driver for the 2026 season. Pre-season testing begins immediately to prepare for the Daytona opener.

A Pivotal Moment For the No. 13

Cole Butcher’s move to ThorSport Racing isn’t just a routine offseason transaction. It represents the convergence of preparation and opportunity. Butcher brings a polished résumé and a hunger to prove he belongs, while ThorSport gains a driver who could be a cornerstone for their future.

For the fans, the 2026 season just got a lot more interesting. All eyes will be on the No. 13 truck when it hits the high banks of Daytona to see if Butcher can turn his short-track dominance into national glory.