By Ben Deatherage
BEATRICE, Neb. (Oct. 21, 2026) — Johnny Thomas never planned to chase a national championship in 2026. But when Dillon Richards asked him to pursue a third consecutive Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compact national title for the Cornhusker State, the 40-year-old from Beatrice, Neb., found it difficult to turn down the opportunity.
After eight months of traveling, preparation, and racing, Thomas had accomplished that goal, securing his first national championship by 12 points.
“The biggest thing was Dillon when this all started, when he asked if I would run this year because if I would have won it, it would be three in a row for WEB Chassis, and I couldn’t really tell him no,” Thomas said.
Driving the WEB Chassis/Richards Speed Shop/Bohlmeyer Built-sponsored No. 45, Thomas collected 14 feature victories at five different tracks, 34 top-five finishes, and 42 top-10 finishes in 45 feature starts across 46 events attended. His accomplishments extended beyond the national standings, as he earned his first Nebraska State championship and captured track championships at Beatrice Speedway and Stuart Speedway in Iowa. The Beatrice title was his third consecutive track championship, while the Stuart crown was his first.
Thomas collected four victories each at Beatrice Speedway and Park Jefferson Speedway, three at Off Road Speedway, two at Stuart Speedway, and one at RPM Speedway.
Thomas also became the fifth different driver from Beatrice to win an IMCA national championship, joining Johnny Saathoff, Jordan Grabouski, Dillon Richards, and John Martinez. Kaylee Richards, Dillon’s wife, and Martinez had captured the previous two Sport Compact national championships, making Thomas’ victory the third consecutive title for WEB Chassis.
Despite the success, Thomas admitted the championship pursuit was more difficult than he anticipated.
“It seemed like I couldn’t get in a roll and knock off wins like I needed to, 20-plus wins, but I could never get it going and get myself a lead,” Thomas said. “I knew it was going to be a grind because my first year I raced, I was just going to do it for fun, and then I was up there for national rookie points, so I went after that. But this was a whole new level.”
Although the victories and consistent finishes kept him in contention, Thomas tried to avoid becoming consumed by the national standings. Instead, he focused on the daily responsibilities of maintaining his car and preparing for the next race.
“I tried to stay grounded the whole year. I never really tried to celebrate anything and took it day by day and win the day, whether it was maintenance on the car or not looking forward to the drive,” Thomas said. “Whatever the case was, try to win each day.”
The demands of competing for a national championship extended well beyond the racetrack. Thomas estimated that he made approximately 35 nights of racing trips alone, including several lengthy round trips.
“I didn’t try to look ahead, as hard and stressful as it is,” Thomas said. “I just needed to keep my head down and grind, and if I do what I’m supposed to every day, it’ll be what it’ll be.”
Thomas’ involvement in racing began long before he climbed behind the wheel. His mother, Beverly, was close friends with Dale and Cindy Evers, and he spent considerable time around their racing operation, where Dale and his son Craig competed.
He also grew up alongside future RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car driver Adam Gullion, traveling with him during his mini sprint racing days. Those experiences introduced Thomas to several members of the Nebraska racing community, including Kent Grabouski and his son Jordan, who later worked for Johnny Saathoff.
Despite spending years around the sport, Thomas had never raced himself. That changed through his relationship with Michelle Moore, Dillon Richards’ aunt. Thomas began traveling with Richards while he was competing in a Stock Car for Grabouski, eventually becoming more involved in the operation.
During a family Fourth of July gathering, Richards mentioned his interest in building a Sport Compact and asked Thomas if he would drive it. Thomas agreed, and by the end of 2023, he was preparing to begin his own racing career.
He earned national Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, and just two seasons later, the opportunity Richards had given him developed into a national championship.
Thomas credited Richards and his wife, Kaylee, for their support throughout the campaign, including providing an additional car and helping manage the demands of the points chase. He also recognized Justin Barnett for regularly assisting at the shop and Michelle and Brax for their patience and encouragement during the lengthy season.
Feature Wins: 14
Total Top Fives: 34
Total Starts: 46
His Pit Crew: Dillon Richards, Kaylee Richards, Justin Barnett, Michelle Moore, and Brax
His Sponsors: WEB Chassis, Richards Speed Shop, Bohlmeyer Built, Joe Allen Enterprises, Lisa Sand, G&S Racing, Meints Family, Dad’s Man Cave Podcast, Evers Racing, Patty the Baddy, BJ’s Gym, SBR Performance, James Hadorn, Cody Alm, Extreme Motorsports, Jet Racing, and Snyderized Auto Shop Inc.