Riggs Takes the Checkered Flag at New Hampshire
Layne Riggs captured his 11th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, leading 106 of the 147 laps and sealing the top seed for the upcoming seven‑race Chase.
The race’s climax centered on a three‑way showdown for the final playoff spot, featuring Tyler Ankrum, Stewart Friesen and Jake Garcia.
Ankrum, who started the stage 10th with a 20‑point advantage over Friesen and 21 points over Garcia, battled brake problems and a penalty that dropped him to 28th before fighting back to finish ninth.
A late‑race incident involving Gavan Boschele shuffled the running order, moving Friesen to fifth and Garcia to 11th, while Ankrum climbed to 14th.
With three laps left, Ankrum secured the last Chase position by seven points over Friesen and 11 points over Garcia, a result that underscored the importance of every stage point.
Implications for the Bristol Playoff
Riggs will headline the Chase field that also includes Kaden Honeycutt, Chandler Smith, Christian Eckes, Giovanni Ruggiero, Ty Majeski, Grant Enfinger, Daniel Hemric and Ben Rhodes, beginning September 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Stewart Friesen later acknowledged that his team’s lack of speed and a tire strategy call by crew chief Bruce Cook contributed to the fourth‑place finish, while Ankrum credited spotter Eddie D’Hondt for the crucial guidance that helped him clinch the spot.