ADEL, Iowa – On the heels of an impressive season where he claimed 38 victories across multiple divisions, Ricky Thornton Jr. is primed for a new challenge.

Thornton will hit the road with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series next year, where he’ll compete for the national tour’s Rookie of the Year title in the SSI Motorsports No. 20RT Dyno One Inc./ Excel Floor Covering/ Sub-Surface of Indiana/ Longhorn Chassis/ Clements Racing Engine Super Late Model.

“Since I was a little kid my goal has always been to race Late Models,” Thornton said. “Now, to be able to do it with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, it just makes it that much better. Huge thanks to Todd and Vickie Burns, and everyone at SSI Motorsports for giving me this opportunity.”

Thornton already has several podium appearances in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to his credit, including a breakthrough victory earlier this year. Soaring to his first win on the tour, Thornton took home $20,000 for his triumph in the 32nd Annual Pittsburgher 100 at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Oct. 3.

Thornton will kick off his pursuit of theLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie Title on Jan. 22-23 at Golden Isles Speedway near Brunswick, Ga. A Friday show will post a $12,000 top prize, while Saturday’s feature will offer a $15,000 top prize.

From there, the team, will head to East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton, Fla. for six straight nights (Jan. 25-30) of competition. A pair of events at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. are set for Feb. 1-2, with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Speedweeks concluding at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., Feb. 4-6.