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Is Ty Majeski's journey the ultimate underdog story in NASCAR history?

Ty Majeski has been on quite a journey in his motorsport career. In a results-oriented industry, the Wisconsin native has learned about the cutthroat nature of NASCAR the hard way, only to come back stronger with every hardship. Despite his topsy-turvy career, the 30-year-old had the perfect fairytale ending to his Truck Series season by clinching the championship at Phoenix Raceway. However, behind the glory and the celebration are unspoken struggles that have shaped him into a more resilient and wise racing driver.

Taking a trip down memory lane, the reigning champion reflected on losing his seat a few years ago, only for Chase Briscoe to come to the rescue. Thus began his journey at ThorSport Racing, where Majeski has become a force to be reckoned with in the Truck Series.

Ty Majeski’s fortunes changed with a simple text message

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Ty Majeski has been on a roller coaster ride throughout his NASCAR career. The Wisconsin native’s career got off to a strong start after being hired by Roush Fenway Racing in 2017 as a part-time Xfinity Series driver. However, lady luck wasn’t on his side, as the team was forced to shut down operations soon after, with the driver only making 15 starts. Another opportunity came knocking soon after, as Majeski secured a Truck Series seat with Niece Motorsports, competing in 16 races before being fired from his job.

Having lost his No. 45 seat just two days after the race in Darlington, Ty Majeski’s future was looking increasingly uncertain. As they say, ‘It’s always darkest before dawn’ and a solution presented itself from an unlikely source. Recalling a turning point in his career, the Truck Series winner wrote on X, “I was fired in the AM on Sept 8th 2020, texted @ChaseBriscoe_14 for David Peppers number that day. I drove up to Sandusky and met with Duke and Rhonda. A few months later won the 2020 Snowball derby. Got a call shortly after that race with a job offer. Now we’re 2024 CHAMPS🏆❤️”

In 2021, Majeski took on the role of an engineer at ThorSport Racing, with the promise of competing in a select few Truck Series races during the season. Driving the No. 66 Chevy, the Wisconsin native secured two top-ten finishes in four appearances, doing enough to convince his employers for a full-time seat in the prestigious team. Despite the slight detour that was taken in his motorsport journey, the driver felt it benefitted him in the end by saying, “Obviously I wanted to be full-time in 2021, but looking back now and the experience that I gained by touching every single part that went into the race truck, I feel like helped my progression and happened earlier.”

 

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Is Ty Majeski's journey the ultimate underdog story in NASCAR history?

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The rest, as they say, is history. Ty Majeski cemented his place in the Truck Series, winning twice in his first full-time role and ending the season in fourth place. With progress not being linear, 2023 proved to be a valuable learning experience for the racing driver, as he was forced to settle for a place four points lower than his first year. However, all his hardships finally paid off this time around, as the No. 98 Ford racer won his first Truck Series championship and his team’s sixth with a dominant display at Phoenix Raceway.

Majeski gives credit to those who helped him along the way

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Having reached the pinnacle of Truck Series racing, Ty Majeski hasn’t forgotten his struggles or those who helped him when times were tough. After losing his seat at Niece Motorsports, the Wisconsin native continued racing on his super late model, and victory at the Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Florida, proved to be the catalyst that changed the trajectory of his racing career. His short-track crew chief, Toby Nuttleman, was present at Phoenix Raceway, joining in the celebrations alongside the ThorSport Racing crew, despite not being directly involved in the result.

via Imago

Like a true champion, Majeski acknowledged that he wouldn’t have achieved such success without getting help along the way. He said in the post-race interview, “Even though he (Nuttleman) wasn’t a part of this specific championship, he’s a huge reason why I’m here talking to you right now as 2024 NASCAR Truck Series champion. You surround yourself with good people and stay grounded and never think you’re the best. That’s exactly when you are going to get beat. So just keeping grounded. Always keeping your head down. Always trying to get better each and every race.”

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Having been a top finisher at the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, Ty Majeski was seen performing a Polish Victory Lap as a tribute to the late racing driver. The role Alan Kulwicki has played in shaping the driver’s career is immense, with the 31-year-old saying, “Their program was really a jump-start to my career.” Having received $54,000 because of his performances in 2015, Majeski reinvested it into building a new racecar, which helped him win more races. The ThorSport Racing driver hasn’t forgotten his roots, and his humble attitude will go a long way in helping him achieve new heights in his NASCAR career.

 

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