

4/13/2025
Ricky Thornton Jr
Runner-up finish in Illini 100 opener; USAC Silver Crown debut at Terre Haute
An action packed weekend for Ricky Thornton Jr. kicked off on Friday afternoon with a visit to Farmer City (IL) Raceway for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series-sanctioned Illini 100.
With 42 Late Models amassed for the doubleheader event, Thornton followed up a second-place finish in his heat with a sixth-to-second showing in the 40-lap feature. He joined race-winner Ethan Dotson on the podium with Brian Shirley finishing third.
After sneaking into Saturday’s $20,000-to-win Illini 100 finale with the final transfer spot in his heat race, Ricky gained 10 positions to notch a sixth-place finish in the Koehler Motorsports No. 20RT.
Capping off the weekend with a new challenge, Thornton made his USAC Silver Crown debut on Sunday at Terre Haute Action Track (IN). Behind the wheel of the Team Arizona No. 20 entry, he qualified sixth out of 25 entries and was holding steady in eighth late in the race. Unfortunately, a flat right-rear tire on lap 97 spoiled his run, relegating him to a 12th-place finish.
Full results from the busy weekend are available at www.WoOLMS.com and www.USACRacing.com.