The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rolled into Nashville Superspeedway with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia, as fans gathered to witness a race that would soon become a tribute.
A Tribute on the Final Lap
Layne Riggs, piloting the No. 35 truck for Front Row Motorsports, surged ahead on the last circuit, pulling off a daring pass that left the crowd roaring.
In the moments after the checkered flag, Riggs dedicated the victory to Kyle Busch, the late NASCAR champion whose legacy loomed large over the event.
The emotional weight of the win was amplified by Busch’s recent passing, turning the competition into a moving homage that resonated throughout the garage and the stands.
Rajah Caruth, driving for Spire Motorsports, settled for second place, while Chandler Smith of McAnally‑Hilgemann Racing claimed third, rounding out a competitive top‑three.
The result also reshaped the championship picture; Riggs now leads the points battle by 37 over Kaden Honeycutt, adding a strategic edge to his season.
Riggs, a second‑generation driver, follows in the tire tracks of his father, Scott Riggs, who captured the series’ inaugural truck race at Nashville in 2001, a lineage that adds depth to his triumph.
Behind the wheel, the field also featured notable performances from Ross Chastain, Tyler Ankrum, Stewart Friesen, Grant Enfinger, Christian Eckes, Gio Ruggiero, Daniel Dye and Dylan Capello, each contributing to the race’s rich tapestry.
The event underscored the collaborative spirit of teams such as Front Row Motorsports, Spire Motorsports, Kyle Busch Motorsports, Niece Motorsports, McAnally‑Hilgemann Racing and Tricon Garage, all of which continue to shape the series’ future.