Drivers in the fast-paced world of racing frequently find inspiration and comfort in activities outside of the racetrack. Kickboxing is a delightful alternative and passion for Tricon’s emerging star, Dean Thompson when it comes to activities outside of racing. Seasoned racer Dean Thompson will be competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage in his second season of racing. 

Thompson’s relentless dedication is evident as he combines his racing responsibilities with his quest for success in kickboxing, despite his relative inexperience in the sport. Thompson’s resolve to keep improving in the offseason highlights his fortitude and dedication to self-improvement on and off the track as he considers his path. 

Thompson’s Kickboxing debut: Here’s his FOX interview

Dean Thompson reflects on his experiences from his early kickboxing matches. He recounts winning the first bout and narrowly losing the second after insufficient recovery time.  “I won the first fight and then they gave me 8 minutes to recover, which was not enough time. So I lost the second fight by a narrow decision”, recalls Thompson.

When asked if kickboxing is a regular thing for him, he responded, “It’s an off-season for sure, it’s a good thing to keep me in shape and helps with my reactions. It’s one of my hobbies outside racing. I practice throughout the season. So once we get to off-season I will be doing it again.”

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Despite the setback, kickboxing remains a crucial off-season pursuit for Thompson, providing him with physical conditioning and sharpening his reflexes, complementing his racing endeavors. Thompson emphasizes the importance of kickboxing as a hobby outside of racing, mentioning his consistent practice throughout the season. With the off-season approaching, Thompson looks forward to dedicating more time to kickboxing, highlighting its role in maintaining his fitness and enhancing his performance on and off the track.

Thompson’s emotional release

Dean Thompson, gearing up for his Tricon Garage comeback in 2024, opened up to NBC Sports about his kickboxing training regimen. “It’s like an emotional release,” he expressed, describing the satisfaction of clean, solid contact during training. 

Lawless Alan and Tyler Ankrum, two other Truck Series competitors, and Thompson often spar, each with their own set of difficulties. Because of the contrast between Ankrum’s strength and Alan’s quickness, Thompson gets a variety of ring sensations. Thompson spends the first twenty minutes of class at Kinchen Martial Arts Academy warming up before fighting.

Posting training videos on social media not only demonstrates his commitment but also works to prevent altercations after races. Remarkably, Harrison Burton and other drivers like Austin Hill, Toni Breidinger, and Daniel Suarez have all participated in the action at Kinchen, so Thompson is not the only one who is passionate about it.

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Even though Thompson had a difficult Truck Series season, he attributes his improved awareness of the track and ability to regulate his emotions in stressful situations to his kickboxing training.