A dramatic finish at Coronado
Layne Riggs captured the inaugural Navy 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Naval Base Coronado, turning the historic event into a showcase of his growing dominance. The victory marked his fourth win of the season and the ninth of his career, underscoring his ability to capitalize on late‑race opportunities.
The climax unfolded on the final lap when Tyler Reif, who had been running near the front, slipped on the closing circuit, allowing Riggs to surge ahead. The maneuver set off a cascade of twists and turns that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Behind the leaders, Daniel Hemric fought his way to second place despite a slow leak in one of his tires, a testament to his resilience. The race also featured a surprise cameo from seven‑time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, who endured two spins before finishing 30th, while Parker Kligerman claimed Stage 2 honors but ultimately placed 18th.
Riggs’ triumph extended his championship lead to 65 points over Kaden Honeycutt, a gap that could prove decisive as the season progresses. The event also highlighted the competitive depth of the series, with Kaz Grala, Landen Lewis and Ty Majeski rounding out the top five.
The race’s narrative was punctuated by an overtime restart where Chandler Smith led the field, only to crash after Kaden Honeycutt brushed the wall, adding another layer of drama to an already unforgettable afternoon.