Riggs Triumphs in UNOH 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, TN – Layne Riggs staged a remarkable recovery at Bristol Motor Speedway, securing victory in the UNOH 250 Presented by Ohio Logistics, the second playoff race of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. After spinning out on the first lap, Riggs reclaimed the lead following a critical restart on lap 142 of 250, ultimately finishing ahead of two-time champion Ben Rhodes.
“This win shows we’re in contention, and we can do it,” said Riggs, who drove a Ford No. 34 fitted with scuffed qualifying tires for the last 109 laps. The victory marks Riggs’ third of the season, his second at Bristol, and the fifth of his career. It also guarantees him a spot in the Round of 8 in the playoffs, alleviating pressure ahead of the Round of 10 elimination at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 20.
Riggs reflected on his initial setback, stating, “You don’t get two mulligans in the playoffs, and I got two.” He salvaged a 17th place at Darlington in the prior race and solidified his team’s resilience in a competitive landscape.
Corey Heim, the current series leader, failed to extend his three-race winning streak. Despite winning Stage 2 and leading a race-high 122 laps, he faced difficulties on pit road, dropping to seventh before finishing third. “It was a super track-position-dependent race,” Heim noted, acknowledging Riggs’ superior performance.
Ty Majeski and Daniel Hemric rounded out the top five, both securing advantageous points ahead of the upcoming elimination race. Riggs’ teammate Chandler Smith encountered mechanical issues and finished 10th, leaving him 24 points shy of the elimination line. Similarly, pole winner Jake Garcia faced power loss and placed 33rd, positioning him 14 points below the cutoff.
The top 10 was completed by non-playoff drivers Tanner Gray, Connor Mosack, Andres Perez de Lara, Corey LaJoie, and Matt Crafton.
As the series heads to New Hampshire, Riggs’ commanding win underscores his team’s potential and the competitive nature of the playoffs. The next round promises to be crucial for playoff contenders as they vie for a shot at the championship.
