2024 PRO2 Champion

Mickey Thomas has passionately pursued his dream of becoming an AMSOIL Championship Off-Road champion for twelve years. This past season, the determined Georgian native proved his prowess by standing on the podium 11 times, securing six hard-fought victories that highlight his dedication and skill on the road to becoming the 2024 PRO 2 Champion.

For many, motorsports is a passion that starts at an early age, often fueled by family traditions or childhood dreams. For Mickey Thomas, becoming a PRO2 champion began with a Christmas gift and a small local race in Georgia.

Beginning at Durhamtown

It all started in 2013 when he and his brother received a Polaris RZR 900 as a Christmas present. Not long after, they discovered a flyer at the dealership promoting an endurance race series at Durhamtown, a track near their home. Intrigued, they entered the race for fun, unknowingly setting off a chain reaction defining his career. One race led to another, and he soon competed in the series full-time.

The defining moment came when the Durhamtown series announced that the championship winner would receive an invitation to race in Terracross, a national series primarily run in the Midwest. Determined to take advantage of the opportunity, he pushed himself to new limits,

securing the championship and earning his spot at the next level.

Racing at The National Level

Racing in Terracross was an entirely new experience, exposing him to a higher level of competition. His first race was against seasoned professionals like RJ Anderson and Jeremy McGrath, names he had admired for years. Despite the intimidating competition, he won his first-ever Terracross race, a significant milestone in his career. He connected with RJ Anderson through this series, who encouraged him to try short-course racing by renting a PRO LITE truck.

From there, the transition into short-course racing was a natural progression. Determined to excel, he and his team brought in experienced professionals like Steve Barlow and Sean Hodgdon. Under their guidance, he refined his skills and built a highly competitive PRO LITE truck, eventually securing multiple wins before leaping PRO 2.

The journey in PRO 2 was anything but easy. His rookie season saw a race win and a Rookie of the Year title, followed by a third-place finish in points in his second year and a heartbreaking near-miss in his third year. However, persistence paid off, and everything aligned perfectly in his fourth year in PRO 2. With a strong team, a well-prepared truck, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, he finally captured the PRO2 Championship.

While racing remains the primary focus, he acknowledges the evolving nature of the sport, particularly the increasing importance of social media and marketing. In today’s landscape, being fast on the track is only part of the equation; drivers must also be valuable assets to sponsors through strong branding and engagement. Having built a long-standing relationship with Mystik Lubricants since his days in Terracross, he continues to maintain and grow his sponsorship by creating unique content and participating in promotional events.

Expanding Horizons is Essential

Expanding beyond regional boundaries is a crucial step toward growth and sustainability in the ever-evolving world of off-road racing. Mickey Thomas believes that taking the sport to new locations is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

“Traveling to new regions, such as California and Wheatland, represents a significant opportunity to attract new sponsors and broaden the sport’s reach, noted Thomas. “While some within the community may resist the additional travel expenses, I see it as a necessary investment. Expanding beyond the traditional Midwest venues will help secure valuable sponsorships, as many companies are hesitant to invest in a series that remains geographically limited.”

Thomas emphasizes that traveling isn’t just about competition; it’s about leveraging new markets to gain financial support. By reaching out to local businesses in places like California and Missouri, drivers can offset costs and take advantage of new sponsorship opportunities. This, in turn, benefits both the racers and the series as a whole, fostering growth and increasing exposure.

Looking ahead, the racer expresses a strong desire to see a track established in the Southeast, specifically in Georgia or Charlotte. They believe the region has a passionate motorsports fan base that would embrace off-road racing.

Ultimately, Mickey Thomas is fully committed to participating in the entire series, including the new events. He acknowledges that while some competitors are hesitant to travel, Thomas firmly believes that stepping outside the sport’s traditional footprint is a step in the right direction. Growth, exposure, and new partnerships stem from taking risks and exploring uncharted territory—a mindset that will propel short-course off-road racing into a thriving future.

The Future: A New Challenge

Looking ahead, he is preparing for his next challenge: PRO4. With his PRO2 career culminating in a championship, the natural progression is to take on the premier class of short-course racing. The new PRO4 truck has already undergone testing, with plans to compete in the entire season. As he sets his sights on another championship, his focus remains unchanged: continuous improvement and the drive to be the best.

The road to success in off-road racing is long and demanding, but every step has been worth it for this racer. With a championship under his belt and a new challenge on the horizon, the journey is far from over.

The Team and Partnerships Keys to Success

A key factor in his success has been the support of his team and family. His team, including Charlie Schlieve, Joe Driver, Brandon Wilslaygle, Mikey Vanden Heuvel, and Zach Zagar, ensured his truck was always race-ready. Their mechanical expertise and dedication minimized failures and maximized performance, setting the foundation for the championship-winning season. His father, an equally passionate motorsports enthusiast, has supported him from day one, ensuring he had every opportunity to succeed.