Pole Position and Points Lead
Layne Riggs, the series leader with four wins this season, captured his sixth career pole at North Wilkesboro Speedway, posting a qualifying lap at 121.608 mph. The victory gives him a 44‑point edge over the rest of the field as the Faith Fest 250 approaches.
The race, scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. ET, will run 250 laps covering 156.25 miles on the half‑mile concrete oval. It is divided into three stages — 70 laps, 70 laps and 110 laps — with stage points on the line. The event forms the fourth of seven races in the Chase for the championship, a format that sends the top ten drivers into the next round.
The 250‑Lap Battle
Among the contenders are a who's who of the sport: Carson Hocevar, Chandler Smith, Corey Heim, Christopher Bell, Giovanni Ruggiero, Chase Elliott, Kaden Honeycutt, Grant Enfinger, Tyler Ankrum, Stewart Friesen, Jake Garcia, Brenden Queen, Christian Eckes, Ty Majeski, Ben Rhodes and Daniel Hemric. Smith, who captured last year's Faith Fest 250 in a dramatic overtime finish, will be looking to defend his title, while Enfinger, fresh off a climb from 11th to ninth at Lime Rock Park, hopes to carry that momentum.
The competition also features a tight points battle among the ten drivers who are currently within striking distance of the playoff cutoff. Tyler Ankrum sits in tenth, holding a 17‑point advantage over Stewart Friesen and Jake Garcia, making every stage point a potential swing in the standings.
Broadcast and the Championship Picture
Fans can watch the action live on FOX Sports 1, with a simultaneous stream available through Fubo. The broadcast will highlight the pole‑sitting Riggs, the defending champion Smith, and the full roster of drivers eager to shape the championship picture.