Double‑Overtime Drama
The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returned to New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the stakes higher than ever, as the final playoff spot hung in the balance and the championship battle intensified.
Stage 1 began with Connor Zilisch seizing the early lead, but Layne Riggs quickly surged to the front before the stage concluded, setting a relentless pace that would define the rest of the event.
A series of cautions scattered the field, including a start‑line incident that damaged Luke Baldwin’s truck and forced a replacement for teammate Frankie Muniz, while Landen Lewis and John Hunter Nemechek tangled, further reshuffling positions.
During Stage 2, Jake Garcia briefly led after a two‑tire call, only to be passed by Chandler Smith, and Stewart Friesen’s own two‑tire strategy gave him a fleeting lead before Riggs reclaimed control.
The race boiled down to a fierce contest for the tenth and final Chase position, with Tyler Ankrum and Stewart Friesen battling until Ankrum secured the spot by seven points, while Christopher Bell and Spencer Boyd spun into the wall, adding more drama.
In the final overtime restart, Riggs held his nerve and fended off Chandler Smith, crossing the line first to claim victory and his sixth win of the season, a result that locks him in as the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.
The outcome not only rewards Riggs’ resilience but also promises an electrifying postseason, as the championship field now features a mix of seasoned contenders and rising talent vying for the ultimate title.