Ricky Thornton Jr. revealed that Chris Madden will no longer be his crew chief for his Koehler Motorsports team heading into 2025 after a huge win at Brownstown for the CJ Rayburn Memorial and a second place finish during the Jackson 100 that catapulted him back to the points lead in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship standings.

Ricky Thornton Jr. in victory lane for the C.J. Rayburn Memorial Victory at Brownston. Photo Credit: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

On Facebook, Thornton Jr. celebrated his win writing, “One of the smartest guys in dirt racing always says, “You can never let yourself get too high or too low in this sport.” And some nights it’s tough not to do just that. This team tuned out the noise & continued to work towards what they always knew they were capable of. Last night it earned our Koehler Motorsports team a big WIN.”

He added, “We are so thankful for the Koehlers, Chris Madden, Ricky Arnold, DJ Williams, Kenny and Bryce at the shop, and everyone at Longhorn and Bilstein for guiding us to success. We aren’t done yet, we will give it everything we have for these next two races and see what happens!”

Ricky Thornton Jr. on Facebook

In the comments of the post, Thornton was asked by a fan, “Is Madden coming back next year?”

He responded, “No, he’s going to pursue some business ventures, it was always just a partnership for 2024.”

Ricky Thornton Jr. on Facebook

While Madden will not be returning to crew chief Thornton in 2025, it is quite possible he will be a Championship crew chief. Thornton and his Koehler Motorsports team currently have a 50 point lead on both Jonathan Davenport and Devin Moran while Tim McCreadie sits in fourth 165 points behind.

Thornton’s quest for his first championship begins on Friday night at Eldora Speedway where the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has a full night of racing including Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, and Heat Races.

However, Friday night is not a points paying night. Saturday night is what really counts and Thornton will not only be competing for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Champsionship, but he will be looking to win the 44th Annual Dirt Track World Championship, which itself pays $100,000 to the winner.

Ricky Thornton Jr. beats Garret Alberson during the Cowboy Classic at Lucas Oil Speedway. Photo Credit: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

What do you make of Madden not continuing as Thornton’s crew chief into 2025?

NEXT: Ricky Thornton Jr. Promises Payback Against Devin Moran