During media availability Friday morning at Rockingham Speedway, Front Row Motorsports drivers Chandler Smith and Layne Riggs basked in delight about the state of the Craftsman Truck Series.
The level of competition has been raised since NASCAR adjusted the amount of races that Cup Series drivers are allotted to race at the lower series. Cup drivers with more than three years of experience are allowed to race up to eight events in the Truck series.
“We’re putting on the best show right now,” said Smith. “Being able to race and also beat Kyle Busch is a great feeling.”
The 23-year-old knows that feeling all too well, famously using a Kyle Busch style move to beat the veteran at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2022. It’s moments like this that have driven excitement in the series for the past few seasons, allowing young drivers to prove themselves against some of NASCAR’s best.
What’s just as great as being able to compete alongside the sport’s top drivers? Returning to historic tracks where NASCAR’s foundation was built, especially tracks close to home.
“I enjoy being able to sleep at home the night before and after a race,” said Riggs. “It’s really great that we have brought back Rockingham and North Wilkesboro in recent years.”
Great indeed as these are two tracks that the Front Row Motorsports stable have shown strength at in the past.
With a focus on Rockingham, Riggs swept both Stages 1 and 2 in the series’ return to the oval in 2025. Though he was poised for the win, the No. 34 Ford F-150 ran low on fuel, forcing a late race pit stop. Meanwhile, Smith started last year’s race weekend strong, qualifying in the second position, earning top-5 results in the first two stages. Like his teammate though, a fuel shortage ended his top-10 run.
Regardless, testing early this season proved that the team still has the race-winning speed they left the track with last year.
“We’re confident in our chances at Rockingham,” said Riggs. “We showed a lot of speed in the test, which gives us a lot of optimism for Friday. We had a dominant truck here last year and just came up short on fuel at the end. If we can put a full race together, I know we’re capable of getting it done.”
As for Smith, the stakes are a bit higher coming into the race weekend as he hopes to maintain his lead of the championship points standings.
“We’re in a strong position leading the points standings, and with a solid run-or a win-this Friday, we have a great opportunity to build on that lead,” said Smith. “With the Chase format, it’s all about maximizing points throughout the race, not just the finish. Our focus is on starting up front, scoring in both stages, and putting together a complete race to bring home a strong result.”
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway is scheduled for April 3 at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
