Matt Crafton

Image of Matt Crafton
Image of Race Car Driver Matt Crafton
Matthew Justin Crafton (born June 11, 1976) is an American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver. He last competed full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 88 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing. A long-time veteran of the series, Crafton drove for ThorSport his entire career, with the exception of 2004, and is a three-time champion of the series, winning the championship in 2013, 2014, and 2019. He holds the record for most consecutive truck series starts with 591.
Full Name:
Matthew Justin Crafton
Birthday:
11 June 1976
Birthplace:
Tulare, California, U.S.
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
180
Weight (Kg):
73
Parents:
Danny Crafton (Father)
Status:
Married
Partner:
Lauren Crafton
Children:
Elladee (Daughter), Matthew (Son)
Primary Series:
NASCAR TRUCK Series
Awards:
West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame (Win Year 2023)
Notable Achievements:
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship (Race Win Year 2013, 2014, 2019), NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour Champion (Race Win Year 2000), All-time most starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series All-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series top tens leader
Car Number:
88
Car Model:
F-150
Sponsors:
Menards
Net Worth:
$10.0 Million

Matt Crafton Bio

Early Life and Background

Matthew Justin Crafton was born on June 11, 1976, in Tulare, California. He began his racing career at the young age of seven, starting with go-karts after receiving one as a gift for graduating kindergarten. Crafton quickly progressed through various racing formats, including midgets and mini sprints, winning multiple national and regional championships. His early exposure to competitive racing laid the groundwork for his future in stock car racing.

In 1996, Crafton made his debut in the Featherlite Southwest Series, stepping in as a substitute driver for his injured father. He took over the No. 46 entry full-time in 1997 and gained national attention by participating in the 1998 Winter Heat Series, where he competed against notable NASCAR drivers. His success in the Featherlite Southwest Series culminated in a championship win in 2000, which paved the way for his entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Path to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Crafton made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2000, driving for ThorSport Racing. His first race was at California Speedway, where he finished ninth. In 2001, he became a full-time driver for ThorSport, achieving eleven top-ten finishes and finishing twelfth in the championship standings. Over the years, Crafton developed a strong relationship with his team and sponsors, particularly Menards, which has been a significant part of his career.

Crafton’s early years in the Truck Series were marked by consistent performances, including a notable season in 2004 when he drove for Kevin Harvick Incorporated. After returning to ThorSport, he began to establish himself as a formidable competitor in the series.

Matt Crafton Career

Early Career (2000-2009)

Crafton’s early career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series saw him gradually improve his performance. His first significant achievement came in 2008 when he won his first race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200. This victory was particularly notable as it occurred during his 178th start, setting a record for the most starts before a first win in the Truck Series.

In 2009, Crafton continued to build on his success, finishing second in the overall standings despite not winning a race. He secured two poles and achieved 21 top-ten finishes, showcasing his consistency and competitiveness.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2010-2019)

Crafton’s breakthrough in the Truck Series came in 2013 when he clinched his first championship. That season, he won three races, including a pivotal victory at Kansas, and maintained a strong points lead throughout the year. He became the first driver to complete every lap of the season, solidifying his reputation as one of the series’ top competitors.

Crafton successfully defended his title in 2014, becoming the first back-to-back champion in Truck Series history. He won two races that season and demonstrated exceptional skill in managing fuel strategy during races. His performance continued to impress, and he added a third championship in 2019, further cementing his legacy in the series.

ThorSport Racing Era (2020-Present)

Crafton has remained with ThorSport Racing throughout his career, driving the No. 88 Ford F-150. In 2020, he broke a 67-race winless streak with a victory at Kansas Speedway, marking a significant comeback. Despite facing challenges in subsequent seasons, including a winless 2021 and 2022, Crafton continued to be a competitive presence in the Truck Series.

In 2023, Crafton made headlines for an on-track incident that led to a fine after a confrontation with another driver. He also qualified for the playoffs but was eliminated early. As of 2025, Crafton announced his retirement from full-time competition, concluding a remarkable career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Crafton is known for his strategic approach to racing, particularly in managing fuel and tire wear during long races. His experience and consistency have made him a formidable competitor, capable of adapting to various race conditions and challenges.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Crafton’s career is highlighted by three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championships and a record for the most consecutive starts in the series, with 591. He is also recognized for being the all-time leader in top-ten finishes in the Truck Series.

Matt Crafton Career Wins

Throughout his career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Crafton has achieved a total of 15 wins, showcasing his skill and determination as a driver. His victories span multiple seasons, with significant wins contributing to his championship titles.

Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights

Crafton’s most recent win came in 2020 at Kansas Speedway. He has consistently performed well in the series, with a total of 333 top-ten finishes, demonstrating his ability to remain competitive over the years.

Previous NASCAR Series Achievements

In addition to his Truck Series success, Crafton has made several appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nationwide Series, achieving notable finishes and contributing to his overall racing experience.

Matt Crafton Family

Family Background and NASCAR Lineage

Information about Crafton’s family background is limited, but it is known that he began racing as a way to support his father’s legacy in the sport. His early involvement in racing was influenced by his father’s participation in the Featherlite Southwest Series.

Personal Life

Crafton maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his racing career. He has participated in various charitable events and community initiatives, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the sport and his fans.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks a significant transition for Crafton as he steps back from full-time competition. While he has faced challenges in recent years, including a tough playoff battle in 2023, Crafton continues to be a respected figure in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His experience and strategic mindset will be valuable as he takes on select races in the future, allowing him to remain connected to the sport he loves.