Johnny Sauter has grown up in and around racing. One of twelve children, Sauter learned early on about creating his own possibilities. Although his father, legendary short track racer Jim Sauter, may have opened doors for him in racing, Sauter had to work to fund his racing efforts. Due to his father's rule that he must finish high school before competing in the short track ranks in and around Wisconsin, Sauter's competitive foray into the sport didn't come until the summer after his high school graduation.

Sauter has competed at all of NASCAR's elite levels - in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series.  He enters into his fourth year at ThorSport Racing with owners Duke & Rhonda Thorson, and longtime supporter and friend Mike Curb; after a sentimental win in Las Vegas and a Rookie-of-the-year title under his belt in 2009; third-place finish in points in 2010; and dramatic second-place finish in driver points and two wins to his credit in 2011.  If history is any indication, the veteran driver's future is looking bright for the 2012 NCWTS season.