Sam Hunt Racing makes breakthrough sponsor announcement for Harrison Burton’s O'Reilly ride

Sam Hunt Racing has announced a new major partnership for Harrison Burton’s full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series entry. The organization revealed that Dead On Tools will serve as a primary sponsor on Burton’s black and grey No. 24 GR Supra for 12 races in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The announcement comes as Sam Hunt Racing’s 2026 plans continue to take shape. With the rebranded O’Reilly Auto Parts Series set to begin in less than two months, the team has already expanded to a second full-time entry and locked in two full-time drivers. Dean Thompson will return in the No. 26 GR Supra after a strong rookie season, while Burton joins the program full-time in the newly added No. 24 car.

The Dead On Tools agreement marks the first major sponsorship announcement tied specifically to Burton’s entry, underlining SHR’s intent to stabilize both cars well ahead of the season. DOT continues its long-standing partnership with Harrison Burton. The brand first got involved with the sport in 2020 and has steadily increased its presence across the garage.

Harrison Burton (25) during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race. Source: Getty

Team owner Sam Hunt emphasized the shared direction between the two.

“I am beyond proud to have Dead On Tools join the Sam Hunt Racing in 2026,” Hunt said in a team statement. “I knew there was a ton of symmetry with what our respective teams are trying to accomplish... They do things the right way and work extremely hard to put out their fantastic line of products.”

Dead On Tools marketing manager Joseph Ardell echoed that sentiment and said:

“Everyone at Dead On Tools is thrilled to be able to continue to grow our partnership with Harrison. To be with a team like Sam Hunt Racing, we know the #24 will be in great hands and are excited for a terrific 2026 season.”

Dead On Tools will appear as the primary sponsor at Daytona, Martinsville, Bristol, Charlotte, Sonoma, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Darlington, World Wide Technology Raceway, Las Vegas, Talladega, and Homestead-Miami. Additional partners for the No. 24 team will be announced at a later date.

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Harrison Burton joins Dean Thompson as Sam Hunt Racing expands to two full-time entries

Dean Thompson (26 Sam Hunt Racing) and Harrison Burton (25 Dead On Tools) in Fort Worth. Source: Getty

Harrison Burton’s arrival completes Sam Hunt Racing’s first-ever two-car, full-time lineup. Dean Thompson continues in 2026 after finishing 16th in the 2025 standings with 690 points in his rookie Xfinity season. Driving the No. 26 Toyota full-time, Thompson has already established himself as a steady presence on intermediates and superspeedways.

The No. 24 entry, by contrast, operated as a part-time program in 2025, with seven different drivers sharing seat time. Patrick Staropoli made the most starts, appearing in four races. That car now becomes a full-time effort, signaling a clear shift in SHR’s competitive ambitions.

After the Dead On Tools announcement, Burton shared his excitement on X, writing:

“Couldn’t be more excited to continue working with @deadontools we have a great friendship and partnership that I cant wait to build on! #MadeToLiveOutLoud”

Burton brings a more extensive résumé at the Xfinity level. He is a four-time series winner, qualified for the 2025 Xfinity playoffs, and previously reached the Cup Series playoffs in 2024. His experience gives Sam Hunt Racing a different reference point as it continues to build toward its first series victory.

On the No. 26 side, Thompson is expected to continue carrying familiar partners such as Thompson Pipe Group and MCM Transportation from the 2025 season.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam