Ben Rhodes Bio
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Jon Rhodes was born on February 21, 1997, in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. He is the son of Joe and Lori Rhodes. His father is the president of a mechanical service contractor, Alpha Energy Solutions, which has supported Ben’s racing career. Rhodes began his racing journey at the age of seven, starting in kart racing and quickly moving through various racing series, including Bandoleros and Legends cars.
Rhodes attended Holy Cross High School in Louisville, where he excelled academically, graduating in 2015 with a GPA of 3.98. Despite his racing commitments, he managed to balance his education and racing, even missing his graduation ceremony to prepare for his Xfinity Series debut.
Path to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Rhodes began his professional racing career in 2004 and progressed through the ranks, competing in late model stock cars starting in 2011. In 2013, he made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he quickly made a name for himself by securing five top-five finishes in seven starts. His performance earned him a spot on the NASCAR Next roster, highlighting his potential as a future star in NASCAR.
In 2014, Rhodes won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship, solidifying his status as a rising talent in the sport. He transitioned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2016, joining ThorSport Racing and driving the No. 41 Toyota Tundra.
Ben Rhodes Career
Early Career (2004–2015)
Rhodes’ early career saw him competing in various local and regional series, where he accumulated several championships in karting and late models. His notable entry into the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2013 marked the beginning of his ascent in the NASCAR ranks. He achieved significant success in 2014, winning the K&N Pro Series East Championship with five victories, including a record four consecutive wins.
In 2015, Rhodes made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, where he shared the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro with established drivers. His performance included a seventh-place finish in his debut at Iowa Speedway, showcasing his potential in higher-tier series.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Rhodes joined ThorSport Racing in 2016, marking his full-time entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He faced challenges in his rookie season but showed promise with a seventh-place finish at Daytona. Over the next few years, he experienced ups and downs, including a breakthrough victory at the Las Vegas 350 in 2017, which marked his first win in the Truck Series.
In 2018, Rhodes secured his second career win at Kentucky Speedway, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. However, the following seasons were marked by inconsistency, with various incidents affecting his performance and playoff eligibility.
ThorSport Racing Era (2021–Present)
The 2021 season was a turning point for Rhodes, as he won the Truck Series championship, finishing the season with two wins and a strong average finish of 9.3. He began the season with back-to-back victories at Daytona, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the series.
In 2022, Rhodes continued to perform well, finishing second in the standings and securing a win at the Bristol dirt race. He maintained a competitive edge throughout the season, showcasing his driving skills and consistency.
In 2023, Rhodes started strong with a win at Charlotte and made it to the Championship 4, ultimately clinching his second Truck Series championship. However, the 2024 season saw a decline in performance, and he finished ninth in the standings, marking his first winless season since 2019. The 2025 season continued this trend, with Rhodes missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Rhodes is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft, which have helped him secure multiple championships. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his experience in various racing series contribute to his competitive edge.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Rhodes is a two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, having won the title in 2021 and 2023. He also claimed the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2014, highlighting his early success in the sport.
Ben Rhodes Career Wins
Rhodes has achieved a total of seven wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with significant victories that include his first win at the Las Vegas 350 in 2017 and his most recent win at the 2023 North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
In the current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Rhodes has secured a total of seven wins. His first win came in 2017, and he has continued to build on that success, with notable victories in 2021 and 2023, where he clinched the championship title.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Rhodes achieved five wins during his championship-winning season in 2014. He also competed part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he made a strong debut with a seventh-place finish at Iowa Speedway.
Ben Rhodes Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Rhodes comes from a supportive family, with both parents actively involved in his racing career. His father, Joe Rhodes, has played a significant role in his development as a driver, providing both emotional and financial support throughout his journey.
Personal Life
Details about Rhodes’ personal life remain private, focusing primarily on his racing career and achievements. He has shown dedication to balancing his education and racing commitments, exemplified by his academic success during high school.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been challenging for Rhodes, as he has struggled to find consistent performance compared to previous years. Despite qualifying for the playoffs, he was eliminated in the first round, ultimately finishing ninth in the standings. This marked a significant decline in his performance, as he faced difficulties in securing top finishes throughout the season. Rhodes aims to regroup and strategize for a stronger comeback in the following season.