We caught up with the driver of the #3 Thirty One Motorsports Ford F-150 to capture his thoughts as his team prepares for the final stretch of the 2026 season. The two-time champion is hungry for his first trip to victory lane this season, and there isn’t a better time than now to make it happen. Reichenberger touches on his championship seasons, the 2026 season, the up-coming double-header at Jefferson Speedway, the Midwest Truck Series, and his advice to any racer trying to make his or her way up through the ladder. Check out what Brandon Reichenberger has to share.
QUESTION 1: You’re a two-time, back-to-back Midwest Truck Series Champion. What is the most important thing you learned earning championship honors in back-to-back seasons?
There have been a lot of important lessons or things these last two seasons for many different reasons.. Success is no accident. No detail is too small. Your preparation is key. You have to ask yourself how bad do you want to win, and what’s it worth to you. When adversity comes, face it, and find a way to persevere. I have a lot of great people around me when it comes to my team and marketing partners. These people don’t get enough credit. Success in the Midwest Truck Series is hard. The driver’s name gets most of the attention, but it’s the people behind the scenes that help make those chances possible.
QUESTION 2: With four races remaining in the 2026 season, you’re hungry for a trip to victory lane. What will it take for you to find yourself in a position to capitalize on an opportunity to bring home the checkered flag?
The biggest thing we need to do is qualify well to be able to make the invert. For whatever reason we haven’t done that consistently in 2026, but no better time than now to get it turned around. This series is so incredibly competitive that passing is hard, and track position is critical. No question you need to have a good truck as well, but track position is more important than ever.
QUESTION 3: What is one thing that 2026 has taught you?
No matter what you have accomplished, there are always growth opportunities to get better in many areas.. In the midst of struggle & adversity you have two choices: run and hide or face it head on. Our team without hesitation has chosen to face it head on and get outside our comfort zone as of late to try and find some more speed and consistency to get back on track. Per our standard it’s been a bit of a down year to this point, but we’re not done yet and coming full throttle into October.
QUESTION 4: Historically, Jefferson Speedway has been a track where you’ve experienced a lot of success. What are your thoughts as you head into this double-header weekend?
Well, to be honest this might just be what the doctor ordered for us. I love this racetrack, it suits my driving style well and it never hurts to know you’re going back to a place that’s been historically successful. We were what I would describe as “decent” last year in both races, probably not the best truck, but we were top 5 in both races. We’re going to unload with some different things this year and see if we can’t be a little better this time around.. At the end of the day it’s Jefferson, I love this racetrack, and our team is ready.
QUESTION 5: Why is competing at a high level in the Midwest Truck Series so rewarding?
This might be the most competitive traveling series in the entire United States that has a following of 25+ race vehicles consistently. There are always 12-15 trucks consistently capable of winning each race, and more teams that continue to get better. It forces you to never get comfortable and continue to look for small ways to improve each week.
QUESTION 6: Lastly, what is a piece of advice you would share with a young racer who is trying to make his or her way up the ladder of success?
Get your hands dirty, do your homework in the shop, and prepare to the best of your ability no matter the circumstances of the previous race or how the season has gone. Be a sponge, ask questions, lots of questions, and talk to the veterans or drivers that have had success.. Respect your equipment and those you race with. You’re not going to win every race, but you have to put yourself in the best situation possible to have a chance. Going to the back or going on the wrecker won’t allow that.
Reichenberger will kick off the final four races of the season by participating in the open test day at Jefferson Speedway on Friday, October 2nd. The team will compete in the double-header weekend at Jefferson Speedway before a quick turnaround for Oktoberfest the following week. Thirty One Motorsports currently stands in the P1 and P4 positions in the 2026 Midwest Truck Series Points Championship. Look for our segment next week when we catch up with Tristan Swanson.
