Truck Series Champion Ben Rhodes is Chasing the Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson Legacy

The 2023 Craftsman Truck Series championship finale was a testament to Ben Rhodes‘ grit and determination. No doubt, it was a chaotic ballet of caution flags and late-stage drama. Four nail-biting overtimes extended the race by 29 laps, pushing Rhodes and his No. 99 Ford to the absolute limit and battling his other 4 championship contenders: Corey Heim, Carson Hocevar, and Grant Enfinger.

Corey Heim saw his hopes dashed after contact with Carson Hocevar. Enfinger, however, was tantalizingly close to victory and was forced to pit with damage from a late-race scuffle. Ben Rhodes, despite facing his own challenges, including a run-in with Zane Smith, held his nerve. And crossed the finish line of the longest Truck Series race in history, just one point ahead of Enfinger.

Under the desert lights of Phoenix, Ben Rhodes did not just celebrate his second NASCAR Truck Series championship; he became a member of an exclusive group of only five multiple Truck Series champions. Aiming for something even bigger, ThorSport’s 26-year-old maverick sees his victory as a springboard, motivated by the record-breaking accomplishments of NASCAR greats like Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, and Richard Petty.

Ben Rhodes Aspires to Join the NASCAR Pantheon

When asked about his future, Rhodes’ ambition shone through in a recent interview with Bob Pockrass on FOX. “More Championships!” he declared with a confident laugh, referencing the legacies of legends like Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. His desire to etch his name alongside these giants stood evident as he said, “At least that’s what I am told. You know Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, they never stopped after two. So yeah…”

Ben Rhodes further acknowledged the potential for advancement, but his current focus remains unwavering. The Kentucky native continued, “I love the Truck Series. I am having a lot of fun. Everybody asks me. What’s next? What’s next? What’s next? And this is a tough sport, right? Nobody knows what the future holds for them. But as long as I am right here at ThorSport Racing and racing in the Truck Series. I am going for the Championships. “

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“I can firmly say now that after the first Championship, after the second Championship, anything less than that feels like a failure for a season,” added Ben Rhodes, his voice echoing with both determination and a hint of bittersweet reflection. “And we came oh so close in 2022. We almost had three in a row right here. But, yeah… that year was tough. It almost makes it feel even more worse now. So more championships. Bob!”

Is Ben Rhodes chasing NASCAR Truck Series glory in 2024?

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The fire in Rhodes’ eyes speaks volumes. His ambition extends far beyond simply collecting Truck Series titles. Much like the only 7-time Cup champions, Earnhardt, Petty, and Johnson, who never settled for anything less than excellence, Ben Rhodes possesses an unwavering competitive spirit. He has thrived time and again in the pressure cooker of the championship battle, demonstrating the mental toughness and strategic acumen that define true champions.

These parallels are further indicated by his ambition to remain in the Truck Series, potentially carving out a legacy akin to that of Ron Hornaday Jr, the four-time Truck Series champion. This unwavering drive echoes the spirit of NASCAR legends who relentlessly chased greatness throughout their careers. Just like his idols, Ben Rhodes also possesses the raw talent, the unwavering dedication, and the insatiable hunger for victory that defines a true champion.

Expectations for the 2024 season are already skyrocketing. With two championships under his belt and his sights set firmly on a third in five years, will Ben Rhodes become the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series winner?

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