Layne Riggs Clinches First NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Victory at Pocono
Pocono Raceway served as the backdrop for an eventful opening race of the NASCAR tripleheader weekend, where Layne Riggs secured his maiden win of the season in the MillerTech Battery 200. After claiming his first pole position, Riggs led the final 20 laps in a dominating performance, finishing 3.64 seconds ahead of Tanner Gray.
Riggs’ journey to victory was marked by strategic moves and fortunate breaks. Leading at the 19-lap mark, he inherited the lead after championship contender Corey Heim suffered a flat tire during a restart. As Heim exited for a tire change, Riggs took control when Carson Hocevar, who initially surged to the front on the restart, received a penalty for a restart infraction.
“This is a testament to this team; the truck was bad fast,” Riggs said post-race. “I’m a happy man right now. Last year was a struggle at Pocono, but today we were the best.”
Throughout the race, Heim showcased his prowess, leading a dominant 48 laps and earning a series record with his 12th stage win. However, even with his impressive performance, he ultimately finished 23rd, significantly impacting his championship bid.
Kaden Honeycutt completed the podium in third place, while Brandon Jones and former Xfinity Series champion Daniel Hemric rounded out the top five. Riggs’ teammate, Chandler Smith, is in a fierce battle for championship points, trailing Heim by 124 points in the standings.
With this win, Riggs moves into the seventh position for the upcoming NASCAR playoffs, now with only four regular season races left to determine the top contenders.
Next, the series heads to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut for the inaugural LIUNA 150, set for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
RESULTS SUMMARY
- Layne Riggs (No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford)
- Tanner Gray (TRICON Garage)
- Kaden Honeycutt (No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet)
- Brandon Jones (No. 1 TRICON Garage Toyota)
- Daniel Hemric (No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet)
- Connor Mosack
- Chandler Smith
- Stewart Friesen
- Ty Majeski
- Rajah Caruth
