12/6/2025
Ricky Thornton Jr
Ricky Thornton Jr. Shines in Modified Competition at Gateway Dirt Nationals
The ninth running of the Gateway Dirt Nationals served as the season finale for Ricky Thornton Jr., bringing the Arizona native to St. Louis, Missouri’s Dome at America’s Center for the rapidly expanding crown-jewel weekend.
With his Modified preliminary set for Thursday and his Late Model outing slated for Friday, Thornton opened the event on a high note. He steered the Mike and Lauren Learman-owned No. 20RT Royal Race Car to a heat race victory to start the night, outdueling overall fast qualifier Tyler Wolff in the eight-lap dash.
Once the feature went green, the 35-year-old driver was in complete command. Rolling off from the pole, Thornton controlled the tempo from start to finish, never facing a serious challenge on the path to his 25th overall triumph of the season. He pocketed the $5,000 preliminary payout ahead of runner-up Dallon Murty and third-place finisher Trent Young.
Thornton carried that momentum into Friday’s Late Model program, charging from ninth to first in the 25-lap feature to secure the $10,000 prize.
He continued his dominance on Saturday, outrunning Mike Harrison in the Modified finale to capture his second consecutive Gateway Dirt Nationals title in the division and another $10,000 check.
Thornton closed the weekend with a runner-up showing in the $70,000-to-win Late Model main event, marking his fourth straight podium finish in the Gateway Dirt Nationals Late Model finale.
Full results from the weekend are available at www.GatewayDirt.com.
Article Credit: Josh James image
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