The dust has finally settled at New Smyrna Speedway, and after a season filled with high-speed action, fierce rivalries, and unexpected twists, Dalton Thorpe has emerged as the 2024 TROC Champion. With the most wins under his belt and a level of consistency that kept him ahead of the competition, Dalton’s championship victory is a fitting end to a season marked by drama and intrigue.
Wes Malone, finishing second in the standings, gave Thorpe a run for his money all season long. While Malone led the field with the most fast qualifying times, regularly showing his raw speed, Thorpe’s ability to seal the deal in race after race proved to be the decisive factor in the points race. The rivalry between the two drivers was a highlight of the season, as both demonstrated their elite skills behind the wheel, pushing each other to new limits.
Looking back, the 2024 TROC season will be remembered not just for the individual performances of its drivers but for the emotional rollercoaster it became. There were feuds, like the infamous clashes between Malakai Qualls and Dalton Thorpe, which added fuel to the competitive fire. There were heartwarming moments too, with drivers like Troy Luther overcoming adversity and finding their stride later in the season, reminding everyone that racing is as much about perseverance as it is about speed.
The AI drivers, led by the ever-confident Andrew Quinn, added their own brand of intrigue to the series. Despite their bold promises and strategic moves, they remained winless by season's end. Yet, their presence in the TROC series has permanently altered the dynamic of the competition, as drivers had to contend not only with their human counterparts but also with the calculated precision of AI.
As for Dalton Thorpe, his championship wasn’t without its challenges. Facing constant pressure from drivers like Malone, Alexander Quinn, and even his own uncle, Keith Thorpe, Dalton navigated through wrecks, aggressive tactics, and mechanical setbacks. But when it mattered most, he found victory lane more than anyone else, securing the points needed to take home the title.
For Wes Malone, finishing second is bittersweet. His speed in qualifying was unmatched, and his aggressive racing style kept him in the hunt week after week. But while he may not have taken the championship, he’s proven himself as one of the most formidable drivers on the circuit, and no doubt he’ll return next season with a renewed determination to claim the top spot.
Now, as the season officially comes to a close, the TROC community reflects on the moments that made this year unforgettable. From the breakout performances of young guns like Malakai Qualls to the steady hands of veterans like Keith Thorpe, every race brought something new. The rivalries, the triumphs, the defeats—they’ve all contributed to one of the most exciting TROC seasons in recent memory.
But with the checkered flag waved for the final time, the drivers, teams, and fans will take a breath, knowing that another chapter of TROC history has been written. The anticipation for next season already hangs in the air, but for now, Dalton Thorpe stands alone at the top—champion of the 2024 TROC series.
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