(Eastaboga, AL - December 2, 2024) – Jimmy Thomas has once again proven himself as one of the top drivers in the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series, securing his second career series championship on Saturday night in Swainsboro, GA. After a consistent and impressive 2024 season, a seventh-place finish in the Turkey 100 was enough to clinch the championship, edging out Rookie of the Year and series contender Matt Dooley by 62 points.
This championship marks Thomas's second Crate Racin' USA National title, with his first coming in 2021, where he narrowly defeated former champion Jason Welshan by 21 points. Thomas’s latest championship was built on a season full of consistency and solid performances, including four Top 5 finishes and 11 Top 10s in the 17 series events of 2024.
"It’s huge to win this deal," said Thomas. "We race against really good drivers from all over, every week. I know we didn’t have the best season; I would’ve loved to win some races, but winning the championship makes it all worth it." Thomas also mentioned how special it was to win in his home-built Scorpion Race Car. "Doing it in our own stuff makes it even better, knowing something we've built is competitive." It takes a team and special people to help a traveling race team, and Jimmy thanks each of them: "My mom, dad, my wife McKinley, my son Rayson, Jamie, JT, Alex, Tristan, Josh Ray, Patrick Michell, Tad—without any of them, I would never be able to do any of this."
Throughout the season, Thomas piloted his Scorpion Race Car with precision, never finishing worse than 17th in any of his starts. His season was marked by 15 consecutive Top 15 finishes, showcasing his relentless drive and skill in every race. With eight career wins in 85 starts, Thomas is known for his ability to put together strong, consistent performances. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated 31 Top 5 finishes and 50 Top 10 finishes, further solidifying his reputation as a veteran of the series.
Jimmy Thomas now joins a prestigious list of multi-time champions in Crate Racin’ USA history, including David Gentry, Eric Cooley, Ronnie Johnson, Cory Hedgecock, and himself, becoming one of the few drivers to claim multiple national championships.
Thomas would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to his sponsors and partners who made this championship possible: Scorpion Race Cars, Sugarland Garden Soil & Materials, Wimmers Wrecker Service, Inc, Cha Wimmer, Allstar Graphix by Bruce Carroll, Integra Shocks, Base Racing Fuel & Oil, H&R Engines, KRC Power Steering, and FK Rod Ends.
Thomas and others will be honored January 10th - 11th in Pigeon Forge, TN at the Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Tickets are available to purchase through MyRacePass: https://www.myracepass.com/series/1848/tickets/1422501.
The deadline to RSVP is Friday, December 27th.
For rules and information on the Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series (604 Late Models) visit our website at www.crateracinusa.com or email us at crateracinusa@gmail.com.
Crate Racin' USA would like to thank it's marketing partners Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts , Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Willy's Carb & Dyno Shop, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, BMF Race Cars, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz , Eagle Racing Engines, Hickman Manufacturing, ATC Bolts & Fasteners, and Sin City Bail Bonds.
Photo by: Josh James Artwork