The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will draw to a close with a highly anticipated showdown at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the venue that has long served as a proving ground for emerging talent.
This weekend, veteran Patrick Emerling is slated to climb into the iconic No. 22 Ford truck for the first time this year, marking his return to the series after a nine‑year absence that dates back to 2017.
Emerling’s comeback is juxtaposed with the uncertain future of Derek Lemke, who has made only a handful of starts in 2026, most recently finishing 24th at Richmond and 26th in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, leaving his postseason prospects unresolved.
The season also saw Natalie Decker sidelined after a black‑flagged outing at both Dover Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International, a result that has eliminated any further Truck Series starts for the driver.
What’s at stake for the No. 22 program
The lack of a confirmed driver for the postseason adds a layer of intrigue to the No. 22 entry, as teams weigh the benefits of experience against the fresh perspective that a returning veteran like Emerling can bring.
Team EJP 175 will broadcast the finale live on Fox Sports 1, with coverage scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 22, 2026, offering fans a final glimpse of the new lineup before the series moves into its next chapter.