In a sport where dreams can either crash or fly at 180 miles per hour, it’s the stories of grit and guts that truly stand out. And Ty Majeski’s story? It’s the kind of comeback tale that makes you believe in second chances. Just last week, Majeski capped off his 2024 season by winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, a triumph that felt all the sweeter given the uphill battle he faced to get there. But what makes this victory even more special is the unexpected detour he took three years ago, a path that all started with a bit of desperation and a call for help.

If you tuned in to the SiriusXM post-race interview, you’d know that Majeski’s voice was filled with emotion as he recounted how a chance visit to ThorSport Racing’s headquarters changed everything for him. But let’s rewind a bit to see how a risky move to reach out to Tony Stewart’s protégé, Chase Briscoe, set Majeski on the road to becoming the 2024 Truck Series champ.

A desperate call and a game-changing opportunity

It’s 2021, and Ty Majeski’s NASCAR career is hanging by a thread. After being let go from previous opportunities and struggling to find a full-time ride, he was in a tight spot. So, what does he do? He goes old school and picks up the phone. “It’s crazy how, you know, one little decision can alter your career path and your life for that matter,” Majeski reflected. “Yeah, I was a bit desperate, and I reached out to Briscoe… for David Pepper’s number.” For those not in the know, Pepper is the team manager at ThorSport Racing, one of the most successful teams in the Truck Series.

But it wasn’t a fairy-tale ending just yet. When Majeski finally got through to Pepper, he was told there weren’t any seats available. Still, Pepper threw him a lifeline: “Next time you’re on your way home, just stop by, and I’ll give you a tour of the shop.” Majeski didn’t need to be told twice. Even though Ohio was nowhere near his route back to Wisconsin, he made that detour, hoping to turn a tour into something more.

“I really wasn’t on my way home. But next week, there I was in Ohio,” Majeski recalled with a laugh. That visit wasn’t just a casual stroll around the shop. He came prepared, sharing his story, his passion, and his engineering background with team owners Duke and Rhonda Thorson. “I told him I was interested in racing for his team, explained my background and where I came from,” he said. Majeski’s persistence paid off when, a few weeks later, he received an offer to join the ThorSport family, initially in a part-time engineering role. This was the start of a blossoming relationship that bred a championship.

Climbing to the top: From engineer to champion

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Fast forward to today, and that leap of faith in 2021 has turned into something truly spectacular. Ty Majeski not only secured a full-time ride but also delivered a Truck Series championship to ThorSport, making them one of the most decorated teams in the series’ history. It’s the kind of feel-good story that’s rare in the high-dollar world of stock car racing, where connections and sponsors often trump raw talent.

Majeski went from being an underdog to a certified champion in just a few short years. But it wasn’t an easy journey. Majeski’s past included stints with the struggling #60 Roush Fenway Racing car alongside drivers like Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe. That experience was more heartbreak than a highlight reel, but it taught him resilience, something he’s needed plenty of at ThorSport.

Winning the championship in Phoenix wasn’t just another victory for Majeski; it was his statement to the NASCAR world. He started on pole, led the most laps, and took the checkered flag to become Wisconsin’s fourth-ever Truck Series champion. And what’s more, he did it for the team that took a chance on him when no one else would.

“The biggest thing for me is the way I made it there, and it makes the championship that much sweeter,” Majeski said, reflecting on his journey. “My career has had a lot of ups and downs.” It’s true—Majeski’s career has been anything but a smooth ride. He started from the bottom, quite literally, as a part-time engineer for ThorSport, testing trucks and working on setups.

For Duke and Rhonda Thorson, Ty Majeski’s championship was a historic moment as well. It marked ThorSport Racing’s third owner’s title, putting them in elite company with powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports. And it’s safe to say Majeski is not planning on leaving anytime soon. “I don’t have any plans to do anything different. As long as Duke and Rhonda want to have me back, I would love to continue racing for them,” he shared.

So, what’s next for Majeski? With the 2025 season on the horizon, the newly crowned champ has his eyes set on more victories and maybe even defending his title. But for now, it’s time to celebrate a well-earned victory that was years in the making.