It was a year to remember for Tristan Swanson and his team at Thirty One Motorsports. What started out as a five-race commitment evolved into a season of achievement and the 2026 Midwest Truck Series Championship.
Swanson, who first claimed championship honors in exciting fashion in 2021, returned to the seat full-time five years later. What was supposed to be five races turned into five wins, and ultimately the second season championship for the New Market, Minnesota wheelman.
A second series championship puts Swanson in a unique class of competitors, as only five drivers in series history have claimed more than one points title (James Swan-6, Brandon Reichenberger-2, Jerry Wood-3, John Wood-2, Tristan Swanson-2).
Swanson’s five wins moves him up to fourth on the all-time Midwest Truck Series win list with 9 wins in 32 starts. He (Swanson) also earned the 2026 FINISHLINE TOWING Mid-Summer Shootout Championship in his Thirty One Motorsports Ford F-150.
It was a season built on teamwork, determination, and trust– trusting each other and trusting the process. Championships are won both at the shop and at the track, but a key ingredient to success is synergy. When a driver and their team communicate well, support one another, and work together to execute what is needed, the team will often find itself in a position to succeed. This held true for Tristan Swanson and Thirty One Motorsports throughout the 2026 season.
Thirty One Motorsports closes the season earning their ninth Midwest Truck Series victory since the running of the Jim Sauter Classic in late 2024. Crew Chief, Paul Block, earned his 14th Midwest Truck Series victory in 2026 with Swanson behind the wheel of the team’s #23 Ford.
To our team and our families, and everyone in between we say “thank you” for your commitment to such a memorable season. To our teammates and our partners, we could not ask for better partners to be in our corner. To all the race tracks, series sponsorship partners, and the Midwest Truck Series, we express our sincere gratitude for all you do to ensure our series thrives. To any driver who has buckled into one of our race trucks, we appreciate you and what you brought to the table to make us better.
To all who competed in the Midwest Truck Series throughout the 2026 season, we have the utmost respect for you and we are proud to stand beside you within the racing community. Thank you for competing with class, and for putting your best foot forward to demonstrate what the Midwest Truck Series is all about.
Congratulations to the top-ten class of 2026: Blake Brown, Eugene Gregorich III, Grant Griesbach, Brandon Reichenberger, Brady Bill, Kevin Knuese, Robbie Rucks, Nick Van, and James Swan. Congratulations to Laney Osborne on earning 2026 Rookie of the Year Honors. Congratulations to Eugene Gregorich III on earning Hard Charger honors. Congratulations to Lynch Racing and Grant Griesbach on your win at the season finale (Falloween 50).
The 2026 season has ended, and the 2027 season has officially begun. Watch for championship deals, discounts, and promotions from our partners this off-season!
