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Ben Rhodes returns to ThorSport with new number

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 150 - Practice

LONG POND, PA - JULY 29: Ben Rhodes, driver of the #41 Alpha Energy Solutions Toyota, stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 150 at Pocono Raceway on July 29, 2016 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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Ben Rhodes will be back with ThorSport Racing in the Camping World Truck Series this season and will have a new number.

Rhodes, 19, will drive the No. 27 Toyota after piloting the No. 41 in his rookie season.

Rhodes will join veteran Matt Crafton and rookie Cody Coughlin in ThorSport’s driver stable. A fourth driver will be announced later today.

“This is an amazing opportunity to be partnered with Toyota and ThorSport Racing again for the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season,” Rhodes said in a press release. “The 2016 season had a lot of ups and downs, but we have put all that in the rearview mirror, and we’re focused on the year ahead. We have a new team, a new number, and great support from Toyota. With the NASCAR changes to the race and point structure, the No. 27 team will be up front contending for segment wins and race victories to get us into the playoffs and contend for the championship.”

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Rhodes finished his rookie season 14th in the standings after failing to make the playoffs. He went winless and earned two top fives and five top 10s. His best result was second at Gateway Motorsports Park.

Rhodes will be paired with a new crew chief in Eddie Troconis, who worked with Cameron Hayley in 2016.

Alpha Energy Solutions will be on the No. 27 for two races, at Kentucky Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. More sponsorship will be announced later.

Rhodes’ sophomore season begins on Feb. 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

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