7/5/2025
Ricky Thornton Jr
RTJ drives to sixth in BC39 at IMS; Fourth-place finish in Freedom at Muskingum
The Fourth of July weekend kicked off early for Ricky Thornton Jr., as the Chandler, Arizona native climbed behind the wheel of the Reinbold/Underwood Motorsports No. 19R Midget for the seventh annual BC39 at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
With 66 USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship entries on hand for the two-day midweek showcase, Thornton secured his spot in Tuesday’s preliminary feature with a win in the consolation race. He went on to record a 16th-place finish in the 30-lap main event after a conservative run.
Returning with more urgency on Wednesday, Thornton raced his way into the $20,039-to-win BC39 finale through his qualifier. Charging forward from the 17th starting position, he advanced 11 spots to earn a sixth-place finish in a talent-packed field.
Switching gears to his familiar Late Model ride for a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series doubleheader, Thornton endured a tough outing in Friday’s Independence 50 at Atomic Speedway, retiring early due to radiator issues.
However, he rebounded Saturday at Muskingum County Speedway during the Freedom 60, following up a second-place heat race effort with a solid fourth-place finish in the $25,000-to-win main event.
Thornton’s performance on Saturday propelled him back into the lead of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship standings.
Complete results from the Fourth of July weekend can be found at www.USACRacing.com and www.LucasDirt.com.
Article Credit: Prather Images
