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Different Types of Chevy Truck Beds and Their Uses Explained

Choosing a truck, it is not only about engine size or cab style. Many people think that first, yes, but later they realize the truck bed matters a lot more, especially if the vehicle is used for work or weekend hauling. Chevrolet has been improving their truck beds for many years now, the Durabed as it is commonly called. Stronger build, more useful design, that kind of direction they went with it.

So whether someone is looking at a small Colorado for city use, or maybe a heavy Silverado for construction type work, the bed length and setup will change what you can actually do with it in real life. This guide is trying to make that clearer.

1. The Three Main Silverado Bed Sizes

For the Silverado 1500, there are usually three main bed options. Each one kind of fits a different type of driver, not just random choice.

The Short Bed (5.8 Feet)

This short bed is probably the most common one now, especially with Crew Cab trucks. Around 69.9 inches length, more or less.

It is mostly made for daily driving people. You still get space for bikes, camping gear, maybe bags of mulch from store trips, that type of use.

Best For: Grocery runs, family travel, parking in tight suburban areas.

Small tip: Because it is a shorter wheelbase, parking and turning feels easier, not perfect but noticeably simpler than longer beds.

The Standard Bed (6.6 Feet)

This one sits in the middle. About 79.4 inches.

Not too small, not too big either. Many people call it the “balanced” choice, and that sounds correct honestly. You can carry tools, renovation material, or even recreational stuff without feeling limited too fast.

Best For: Contracting work, DIY projects at home, hauling bikes or ATVs sometimes.

The Long Bed (8 Feet)

Now this is the serious work version. Around 98.1 inches.

If you deal with plywood sheets, drywall, or long materials often, this bed makes sense. Otherwise you will struggle with smaller sizes, simple as that. Usually it comes with Regular Cab, because the focus here is utility, not passengers much.

Best For: Farming work, construction jobs, long hauling trips with heavy load.

2. Specialized Beds: Colorado and HD Models

Not every Chevy truck follows the same structure, that is important to understand.

Chevy Colorado (5.1 Feet)

Colorado is a smaller truck, midsize category. The bed is around 61.7 inches.

It is not about heavy hauling mostly. It works better for light work, city driving, and off-road situations where big trucks become a problem instead of help.

Narrow trails especially, you do not want long bed sticking out too much.

Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD

Now in the heavy-duty range, things change again.

The short bed is mostly gone here. You usually get Standard bed around 6.9 feet, or Long bed 8 feet. These beds are built stronger, thicker steel, more reinforced points. Because expectations are different, they carry much heavier loads, so design also changes.

3. Beyond Length: Durabed and Multi-Flex Features

The truck bed today is not just empty space anymore, it is more like a working platform.

Roll-Formed High-Strength Steel

Chevy uses high-strength steel for the bed floor. Not aluminum like some others.

The reason is simple, it handles impact better. Tools dropping, rocks, heavy stuff, it resists damage more.

12 Standard Tie-Downs

There are 12 tie-down points inside the bed. Each one rated around 500 pounds.

This helps a lot when cargo is not a simple shape, which is often the case in real use.

Multi-Flex Tailgate

This is an interesting feature. Six different functions, not just opening and closing.

Can be a step, small work table, or load stop. It depends how you use it honestly.

LED Cargo Lighting

Sounds like a small feature, but very useful. Early morning or night work, without light inside bed it becomes frustrating fast.

4. Customizing Your Truck for the Long Haul

Factory setup is fine, but many users still upgrade later, depending on job needs.

Spray-In Bedliners

Helps with rust protection and also reduces sliding of cargo. Very practical upgrade.

Tonneau Covers

Keeps things covered, safe from weather and also less visible to theft.

Aftermarket Bumpers

For rough work or off-road use, stronger bumpers make sense. Stock ones are more cosmetic sometimes.

Some people also look at upgrades from Iron Ox Products when they want a stronger durability setup overall.

5. How to Choose the Right One

Before buying, it is better to think of simple questions, not overcomplicate.

Where Will I Park?

Garage size matters. A long bed Crew Cab can become too large, it happens more than people expect.

What Cargo Do I Carry Most?

If it is big sheets or long material often, then a long bed saves time and frustration.

Do I Need Passenger Space?

If yes, then a short or standard bed usually fits better. Balance between people and cargo is always a tradeoff.

Conclusion

Chevy gives different bed options for different users, that is clear.

Some people need compact daily trucks, some need full work machines. Bed size changes everything more than people think at first. So matching usage with bed type is important. Not just buying the biggest or smallest one randomly.

In the end, a truck is not only transport, it is a work tool also. Choosing correctly makes daily job easier, even if it seems like a small decision at the beginning.

The Cost Saving Advantages of Multi-Recorder Download Solutions

Managing modern aircraft fleets involves far more than simply keeping planes in the air. Behind every successful operation is a constant effort to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and maintain smooth maintenance workflows across multiple aircraft systems. Data management has become one of the most important parts of that process because flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders contain critical operational information used during inspections, troubleshooting, and long term performance analysis. That is exactly why aviation professionals increasingly value rugged portable download tools equipped with a flexible data interface capable of supporting multiple recorder systems within one practical solution.

Aircraft maintenance environments move quickly. Technicians often work under demanding schedules where operational efficiency matters just as much as technical precision. Every unnecessary delay, repeated process, or additional piece of equipment can increase operational costs while creating additional complexity for maintenance teams.

This is where multi-recorder download solutions provide significant advantages.

Instead of relying on separate tools for different recorder systems, aviation organizations can simplify data retrieval procedures through one portable device capable of handling multiple operational requirements more efficiently.

That simplicity creates value throughout the entire maintenance process.

Multiple Devices Often Create Unnecessary Complexity

Traditional maintenance environments sometimes require separate tools for downloading data from different flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders. While this approach may technically work, it often introduces additional complications into already demanding operational workflows.

More equipment means more training requirements, more compatibility concerns, additional maintenance expenses, and greater potential for process inconsistency.

Technicians may spend unnecessary time switching between devices or managing different download procedures depending on aircraft configuration.

Over time, those inefficiencies affect both productivity and operational costs.

Portable multi-recorder download tools help eliminate much of this complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one rugged and dependable system. Maintenance teams gain a more streamlined workflow while reducing the burden associated with managing multiple separate tools.

The operational difference becomes noticeable quickly.

Consistency Improves Maintenance Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of standardized download solutions is process consistency. Aviation maintenance depends heavily on reliable procedures performed accurately every single time.

Consistent workflows reduce confusion, improve organization, and help maintenance teams operate more efficiently under pressure.

Using one portable tool across multiple recorder systems creates greater uniformity in how flight data and cockpit voice recordings are retrieved, processed, and stored. This consistency becomes especially valuable within larger fleet operations where multiple technicians may handle data downloads across different aircraft types.

Standardized procedures help minimize operational uncertainty.

Technicians can work more confidently when processes remain familiar regardless of aircraft configuration or recorder type. This familiarity improves workflow speed while reducing the likelihood of avoidable procedural mistakes.

In aviation maintenance, small improvements in consistency often create major operational benefits over time.

Cost Savings Extend Beyond Equipment Purchases

At first glance, the cost advantage of multi-recorder download solutions may appear straightforward because organizations purchase fewer devices overall.

The financial benefits actually extend much further.

Training becomes simpler when maintenance teams learn one standardized system instead of multiple separate platforms. Equipment maintenance costs decrease because organizations manage fewer devices. Operational downtime related to compatibility issues or equipment transitions also becomes less common.

All of these improvements contribute to stronger long term cost efficiency.

Fleet operators constantly search for practical ways to reduce unnecessary operational expenses without compromising maintenance quality or safety standards. Simplified download processes support that goal naturally.

Reliable multi-recorder tools help organizations allocate time, staffing, and maintenance resources more effectively across broader operational requirements.

Rugged Portable Equipment Supports Real Aviation Environments

Aircraft maintenance rarely happens under perfect conditions. Technicians often work directly on flight lines, inside active hangars, or within fast paced operational environments where equipment durability matters significantly.

Portable rugged download tools are designed specifically for these demanding conditions.

Mobility allows technicians to retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recordings more efficiently wherever aircraft are located. Rugged construction helps ensure equipment continues performing reliably despite heavy operational use.

This combination of portability and durability creates practical advantages throughout daily maintenance procedures.

Technicians spend less time transporting equipment or adapting workflows around fragile systems. Instead, maintenance operations become more flexible and responsive to real operational needs.

That flexibility improves efficiency while supporting smoother maintenance coordination overall.

Faster Data Retrieval Supports Better Operations

Flight data and cockpit voice recordings provide valuable information used for diagnostics, troubleshooting, performance analysis, and operational review procedures.

Efficient access to this data matters enormously.

Slow or complicated download processes can delay inspections, disrupt workflow, and create unnecessary operational bottlenecks during maintenance procedures. Multi-recorder download tools simplify these tasks significantly by allowing technicians to retrieve data more quickly and consistently across multiple aircraft systems.

The result is smoother operational flow.

Maintenance teams can focus more directly on analyzing and resolving actual technical concerns rather than managing inefficient data retrieval procedures. Faster downloads also help reduce aircraft downtime, which remains one of the most important operational priorities within aviation environments.

Simplified Systems Reduce Technician Stress

Aircraft maintenance professionals already work under significant pressure every day. Their responsibilities involve protecting operational safety, maintaining compliance standards, and supporting fleet readiness simultaneously.

Complicated equipment only adds to that pressure.

Simplified multi-recorder download systems help reduce unnecessary stress by creating more intuitive and organized workflows. Technicians can operate more confidently when using familiar processes across different aircraft systems instead of constantly adapting to multiple disconnected tools.

This operational simplicity matters more than many organizations initially realize.

Efficient workflows support stronger technician performance while helping maintenance teams maintain focus during demanding schedules and time sensitive operations.

Reliable tools contribute directly to smoother working environments.

Data Management Has Become Increasingly Important

Modern aviation operations generate enormous amounts of operational information. Flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders contain critical information supporting diagnostics, maintenance analysis, training evaluation, and operational review procedures.

Managing this information efficiently has become increasingly important as aircraft systems continue advancing technologically.

Multi-recorder download solutions support this evolution by simplifying how data is retrieved and stored throughout maintenance operations. Consistent download procedures help organizations maintain better organization while improving long term operational oversight.

Reliable data handling supports better decision making across maintenance and fleet management operations alike.

Efficient Solutions Support Long Term Operational Stability

Successful aviation operations depend heavily on efficiency, reliability, and consistency across every stage of maintenance and operational management.

Portable multi-recorder download tools contribute to all three.

By reducing equipment complexity, simplifying workflows, improving process consistency, and lowering operational expenses, these systems help organizations maintain smoother maintenance environments overall.

The advantages may begin with cost savings, but they extend much further into operational performance, technician efficiency, and long term fleet reliability.

In modern aviation, practical solutions that simplify complex processes often create some of the most valuable improvements behind the scenes.

Analyzing the 2026 Indy 500 Results

The answer to who won the Indy 500 2026 was a finish that no one at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will ever forget. The 2026 Indy 500 champion edged David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds, the closest margin in history, and Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian secured its second victory at the Brickyard, and Sweden earned another title in the Borg-Warner Trophy. It was Rosenqvist’s first Indy 500 win, his first oval win, and the kind of redefinition for his career that would change any future conversation about his ceiling.

This Indy 500 recap isn’t only about a photo finish. It was a strategic storm that made the 110th Running 200 laps of 70 lead changes, 51 caution laps, two red flags, shifting weather, fuel fear, and a draft finish that turned defeat into immortality. It was chaotic, but it was all structural; teams raced for clean air, cut cars for front-stretch speed, and hoped the weather would not shorten the afternoon.

The takeaway for bettors is volatility. Favorites can dictate the middle stint, rookies can rearrange the order, and one yellow can obliterate a perfect model. As Detroit will be next in line on the IndyCar series calendar, it’s a good idea for fans to weigh in on promo codes for race fans before the early markets make big moves this week.

How Felix Rosenqvist conquered the Brickyard

Rosenqvist won by holding back and striking late. He led 25 laps, but the big stabs began when the No. 60 Honda moved past Pato O’Ward and appeared to be safe on gas on lap 185. That comfort was wiped away by the late Caio Collet crash and then Mick Schumacher’s Turn 2 brush, which made for a sprint finish.

Malukas owned the restart, defeated Marcus Armstrong, and looked like the king of Turn 4. Rosenqvist remained up and took Malukas’ tow and powered clear from the Yard of Bricks by half a car length. Malukas was second, Scott McLaughlin third, O’Ward fourth and Armstrong fifth. “It’s the coolest way you can win,” Rosenqvist said, understating the audacity. It also demonstrated the value of sticking around in Indy: lift once, and the run is dead; stay flat, and the air can take you into history.

The moments that defined the race

The war on Pit Road: Key strategic calls

Results of the Indianapolis 500 2026 indicate six stops for the first eight, but equal stop numbers masked differing intentions. Ganassi used both Alex Palou and Scott Dixon to gain clean air and conserve fuel, with Palou leading a race-high 59 laps and Dixon 32. Meyer Shank’s major advantage was the undercut in the final lap window. Rosenqvist had fuel confirmed, and others were still requiring a restart pace. That decision resulted in an efficient position, and it was then up to the driver to defend the move without hesitation.

The red flag on lap 192 threw all the numbers out of whack. O’Ward’s fuel-save cutback was no longer a threat, Armstrong served as a decoy, and Malukas had the home side’s attacking lane. The race wasn’t decided at the pit road, but the final stop timing did provide Rosenqvist with the track position he needed.

Major on-track drama and passes

The pass of the day was the last one. Turn 4 saw Rosenqvist launch outside as the record 70th official lead change. It had been a different story before that when Ryan Hunter-Reay and Katherine Legge tangled in Turn 2 on lap 18, bringing an early end to Legge’s 500 before she was set to return to Charlotte. Ed Carpenter was charged with Turn 1, while Will Power and Alexander Rossi both had mechanical issues that let them out, and Josef Newgarden crashed after 124 laps, and Collet’s late Turn 2 contact caused the red flag that led to the finish. Every caution shifted fuel windows and altered the attacking roster.

Performance roundup: Surprises and disappointments

Rosenqvist was the player of the month, Meyer Shank the team. Both MSR cars had an impact on the final lap, and Helio Castroneves got a welcome as co-owner. The highest finishing underdog was Rinus VeeKay, who was sixth for Juncos Hollinger, and took a mid-pack grid spot into serious points. Mick Schumacher (18th) was the best rookie finisher, overcoming the final wall brush.

The setbacks were harsh. Then, Palou led the most laps and, even after a five-point tech penalty, came in seventh. Dixon dropped off to 15th. Penske was a house of speed and a house of hearts: Malukas and McLaughlin were on the podium while Newgarden was 28th. Arrow McLaren deserved a B: O’Ward had another top five, but the team still came away empty-handed. Andretti lacked the winning punch, and Ganassi received a B-minus for lack of pace due to timing, traffic, and inspection fallout.

Looking ahead: Championship standings and what’s next

Accuracy is critical to motorsports news here. Unlike the old days, this modern 500 is not a double-points race, as race points, qualifying bonuses, and lap-led points contribute to the scoring swing. Palou still holds the lead in the standings following the penalty with 273 points, while Malukas is 236, Kyle Kirkwood is 224, Christian Lundgaard is 195, and O’Ward is 188.

This table turns into a betting discussion. Palou is still the title anchor as he is known to accumulate points even when not at his best. Malukas now has the evidence that his Penske pace is capable of translating into race pace. That victory isn’t enough for Rosenqvist to be a favorite on the title list yet, but the result has made him a name on the outsiders’ list on the oval. Detroit will see a test of who can translate Brickyard flair into street course accuracy. That translates to shorter prices on the ovals, tighter live-betting lines all summer, and season-long markets for sportsbooks. The Indy 500 has come to an end, and the championship battle has just reached a new level.

Best Caravans for Sale Across Australia

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Key Highlights

  • Understand the key differences between purchasing a new caravan and a used caravan to align with your budget and travel plans.
  • Learn how to conduct a thorough inspection of any caravan for sale, checking for critical issues like rust, water damage, and tyre condition.
  • Discover essential features and must-have amenities that provide the comforts of home while on the road.
  • Explore the benefits of off-road-ready caravans designed to handle Australia’s rugged terrain.
  • Get insights into the latest trends and what to look for from top caravan manufacturers.
  • Find out where to look for the best deals on caravans for sale across Australia.

Introduction

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road and exploring the stunning landscapes of Australia? Finding the perfect caravans for sale is the first step toward making that dream a reality. For many caravan buyers, the sheer range of caravans available can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you navigate the process, ensuring you find a caravan that perfectly matches your travel style and budget, setting you up for countless adventures.

Understanding the Australian Caravan Market

The Australian caravan market is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from luxury models to practical second-hand caravans. Whether you’re visiting a dealership or browsing online, doing your due diligence is crucial. Keep a notepad handy to jot down features you like and questions you have.

This preparation will help you compare different models and make an informed decision. Understanding the market is your best tool for finding caravans for sale that will serve you well for years to come. Now, let’s explore some of the key trends shaping the market and the differences between new and used options.

Current trends in the Australian caravan market focus on customization and off-grid capability. Buyers want caravans tailored to their needs, from flexible layouts to a range of colors and extras. Brands are responding with more options and adaptable floor plans.

Self-sufficiency is also on the rise, with solar panels and large water tanks now common features. These upgrades let travelers explore remote areas without relying on powered sites. Understanding these trends can help you choose the right caravan for your adventures.

Here’s a quick overview of popular features:

Feature CategoryPopular Trends
PowerIntegrated solar panels and battery management systems
LayoutsCustomizable floor plans for families or couples
CapabilityOff-road suspension and durable aluminum frames
AestheticsModern interiors with various colors and finishes

New vs. Used Caravans: Making the Right Choice

One major decision is whether to buy a new or used caravan. Used caravans are usually more affordable, while new models offer the latest features, full warranties, and customization options.

Your choice depends on your priorities. Choose new for peace of mind and modern amenities. Opt for used if you’re budget-conscious and comfortable with a well-maintained pre-owned vehicle. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing New Caravans for Sale

Buying a new caravan offers peace of mind, primarily due to the manufacturer’s warranty covering repairs for a set period. You’re assured that all parts are brand new, with no hidden wear and tear.

Another key benefit is customization—you can select layouts, colors, and accessories to match your preferences from the start, avoiding future modification costs.

Key benefits of buying new:

  • Full manufacturer’s warranty for support and repairs
  • Customizable layouts, colors, and features
  • Access to the latest technology and designs
  • No previous wear and tear—everything is brand new

What to Check When Evaluating Used Caravans for Sale

When shopping for a used caravan, a thorough inspection is essential. Start by checking the exterior for rust on the chassis and drawbar, as well as tire wear—including the spare. Signs of past accidents or major repairs are warning flags.

Inside, look for water damage: stains, mold, or musty odors around windows, hatches, and corners. Test all appliances and ensure safety equipment,nt like the fire extinguisher, is up to date. Request service history and registration documents.

Your used caravan inspection checklist:

  • Check for rust and frame damage.
  • Look for water damage or leaks inside.
  • Test all appliances, lights, and electrical systems.
  • Confirm ownership and service records are complete.

Essential Features to Look for in Your Next Caravan

The right features can turn a caravan into a true home on wheels. Choose reliable appliances and a functional layout for comfortable living. Durable construction—from chassis to door—is essential for travel.

Consider which comforts matter most: a cozy bed, a roomy kitchen, or a modern bathroom. Prioritize these to find a caravan you’ll enjoy. Next, we’ll highlight must-have amenities and adventure-ready features.

Must-Have Amenities for Comfortable Travel

For true comfort and independence on the road, certain amenities are essential. A reliable power system—typically solar panels and deep-cycle batteries in modern RVs—lets you camp off-grid without losing access to lights or electronics, perfect for remote adventures.

Ample water storage is also crucial. Choose caravans with large fresh water tanks and, ideally, a grey water tank, so you can stay longer in secluded spots. Extras like an awning for outdoor space and quality air conditioning make travel more enjoyable, especially in hot Australian summers.

Key amenities for a comfortable journey include:

  • Off-grid power: solar panels and batteries.
  • Adequate fresh and grey water storage.
  • Climate control: air conditioning and heating.
  • Fully equipped kitchen: fridge, stove, microwave.

Off-Road Capabilities and Adventure-Ready Options

If you plan to venture off paved roads, you’ll need an off-road caravan. These are built for rough terrain, featuring reinforced chassis and heavy-duty independent suspension to absorb bumps and protect the structure.

Check weight specs like Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), which shows the caravan’s maximum loaded weight. Make sure your tow vehicle can handle it. Off-road models offer higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection.

Key features to look for:

  • Heavy-duty independent suspension
  • Reinforced chassis
  • All-terrain tires and high ground clearance
  • Underbody armor to protect pipes and tanks

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the best caravans for sale across Australia opens up a world of opportunities for adventure and exploration. By understanding the nuances of the caravan market, weighing the pros and cons of new versus used options, and identifying essential features, you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking a cozy retreat for weekend getaways or an adventure-ready vehicle for long journeys, the right caravan awaits you. Don’t hesitate to take the next step—contact OfftrackRV today to find the perfect caravan tailored to your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find caravans for sale near me in Australia?

You can find a wide range of caravans for sale across Oz at a specialized dealership. Reputable dealers in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer extensive showrooms where you can explore various models. At OfftrackRV, you can browse our premium range online or visit our showroom to find the perfect fit.

How do I know if a caravan listed for sale is trustworthy?

To ensure a caravan is trustworthy, conduct a thorough inspection for issues like rust, water damage, and worn tyres. Always ask for complete service documentation and ownership papers. A transparent seller with a vehicle in good condition will have nothing to hide and will welcome a detailed check.

Are there advantages to buying an Australian-made caravan?

Yes, buying an Aussie-made caravan offers significant advantages. They are built with durability in mind to handle local conditions. Brands like Lotus Caravans and New Age Caravans are known for their quality construction, and supporting them means you get local service and parts availability from many different brands.

Relaxing Activities for Car Enthusiasts After Time on the Road

Image by Veronica Martinez from Pixabay

Those who define themselves as car enthusiasts are anything but average drivers. They live and breathe driving, and to them, their auto isn’t just some random vehicle, but a place they fully enjoy.

They do not utilize a car to move from one place to another, but also relax their mind and body. However, sometimes, no matter how soothing this experience can be, it can be a bit challenging, too, because it requires certain levels of focus and energy, which you cannot always provide, regardless of how much you want.

In these instances, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to unwind after time on the road. If you’re unsure which methods are the most effective, then pay close attention to the ones that will be shown below!

How About Some Gambling?

Yes, that’s right. Now, you may have thought about it before, but trust us when we say that it is one of the most thrilling things you’ll ever do. On these platforms, you can play online bingo games for real money, and, simultaneously, try out a bunch of different games, depending on your style and preference. Truth be told, there aren’t many online places where you can have both a great time and earn some bucks!

What’s especially fantastic about the online world is the fact that it’s full of enticing games that are intended for every skill level, which means that you do not need to be a pro to have a great time!

When Was The Last Time You Took Care Of Your Four-Wheeler?

Even though we assume that you’ve done it relatively recently, it doesn’t hurt to remind you once again. Namely, the vast majority of car drivers perceive car maintenance as almost as relaxing and fun as driving it, so it comes as no surprise if your automobile is in perfect condition in this regard.

Still, if you haven’t done it in a while, now is a good moment to wash it, spruce up the interior, and inspect it, as well, just to see if there’s any debris. Something like this can actually be very relaxing.

Most drivers thoroughly enjoy this task because it enables them to slow down for a bit and, concurrently, gives them their full attention to their baby (car).  You must admit that there’s nothing better than seeing it looking all sparkly and tidy.

Upcoming Road Trips Can Be An Amazing Motivation

You do not need to travel at this very moment to feel excited about traveling. Planning and organizing future adventures can be super fun, too! In fact, many car drivers adore researching scenic routes, coastal highways, or places that aren’t as popular among tourists.

These activities make them feel super excited because they’ll know exactly what they’ll be doing when it’s time to go on vacation, and they are also extremely relaxing!

You do not need to be the most imaginative person in the Universe to think of ideas that are going to relax you for a while, while you are saying a temporary goodbye to your buddy (automobile). All of the aforementioned suggestions are perfect for this endeavor!

Daniel Suárez uses strategy to win rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600

Photo by Logan Allen for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Daniel Suárez capitalized on a late two-tire pit strategic call that netted him a rain-shortened victory in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24.

The 2016 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion from Monterrey, Mexico, led the final 17 of 373-shortened laps in an event where he qualified in 14th place and rallied from making an early unscheduled pit stop under green that pinned him a lap down in the first stage period. Amid various pit strategies, several on-track incidents and a late overcast of wet weather, Suárez cycled to the lead during a caution period with 44 laps remaining after he only elected for a two-tire pit service for track position.

During the event’s final restart with 31 laps remaining, Suárez received a strong launch to remain out in front of Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin for three green-flag laps. But a caution was displayed with three laps remaining. As the track conditions worsened, which would require extra time to dry, Suárez was declared the winner. He cherished the victory and dedicated it to his late fellow competitor and ex-teammate/boss, Kyle Busch.

The event’s starting lineup was determined through a metric qualifying formula. This was due to inclement weather, which canceled Saturday’s on-track qualifications. As a result, Tyler Reddick was awarded the pole position. He shared the front row with Ty Gibbs. Alex Bowman was the lone competitor who dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments that were made to his entry.

Before the event, a moment of silence and a bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace were performed to pay homage to the late two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. Busch’s wife, Samantha, his two children, Brexton and Lennix, his parents, Tom and Gaye, his brother, Kurt, and all in attendance. This was followed by a 21-gun salute and the performance of Taps for Memorial Day.

When the green flag waved and the event commenced, Tyler Reddick dueled with Ty Gibbs for nearly a full lap in front of a stacked field before the former motored ahead from the inside lane through Turns 3 and 4. Reddick led the first lap over Gibbs while Michael McDowell, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney and Chris Buescher followed suit, respectively. Reddick proceeded to stretch his early advantage to four-tenths of a second by the fifth lap mark as Gibbs, McDowell, Blaney and van Gisbergen were racing in the top five, respectively.

On the eighth lap, a moment of silence was held in remembrance of Kyle Busch during the event’s live broadcast. The fans in the grandstands gestured eight fingers to salute and pay homage to Kyle Busch, who raced the number 8. As the on-track action continued, Reddick stabilized his advantage to seven-tenths of a second during the eighth lap mark and he slightly grew it to eight-tenths of a second by Lap 15.

Through the first 25-scheduled laps, Reddick continued to lead by seven-tenths of a second. He was followed by Gibbs, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, and Shane van Gisbergen in the top five. Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, Michael McDowell, Austin Cindric and Austin Dillon completed the top 10.

AJ Allmendinger, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Christopher Bell, Zane Smith and William Byron, respectively. Meanwhile, Austin Hill, piloting Busch’s entry that was re-numbered from 8 to 33, was scored in 21st place. He was ahead of Ross Chastain, John Hunter Nemechek, Brad Keselowski and Todd Gilliland while Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Connor Zilisch, Corey Heim, Joey Logano and Alex Bowman trailed in the top 30, respectively. Katherine Legge and Timmy Hill were lapped by Reddick while Carson Hocevar was mired in 31st place.

Nine laps later, the event’s first caution flew when Josh Berry, who was racing outside the top-30 mark, spun off the second turn. During the event’s first caution period, the field led by Reddick pitted for service for the first time. Following the pit stops, Reddick exited pit road first ahead of Briscoe, Gibbs, Preece, Hamlin, van Gisbergen, Cindric, Larson, Buescher and Austin Dillon, respectively.

The start of the next restart on Lap 39 featured Reddick and Briscoe battling for the lead, where Briscoe led the next lap before Reddick reassumed it by Lap 41. Reddick proceeded to stabilize his advantage over Briscoe by the Lap 50 mark while Gibbs, Hamlin, Preece, Buescher, Wallace, Larson, van Gisbergen and Austin Dillon followed suit in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Daniel Suárez, after making an unscheduled pit stop three laps earlier, was a lap down in 38th place.

On Lap 53, the caution returned when Austin Cindric, who was racing outside of the top-10 mark, got sideways off the front of Christopher Bell through the first two turns. Cindric slid from the bottom towards the outside wall before he lightly bounced off the wall and clipped the side of Byron as Byron was trying to avoid Cindric. As Cindric kept sliding down the apron, he was hit hard by an oncoming Connor Zilisch, leaving both competitors’ entries destroyed. During this latest caution period, some of the drivers, including Preece, Buescher, Zane Smith, Reddick, Briscoe, Hamlin and Gibbs, pitted, while the rest, led by Ross Chastain, remained on the track.

As the Coca-Cola 600 restarted on Lap 59, Wallace was off the pace after being shoved into the wall by Byron and McDowell. While Wallace pitted, the event remained under green flag conditions as both Zane Smith and Preece overtook Chastain and battled for the lead during the next lap. Preece led the Lap 60 mark before Smith assumed full control during the next lap and so forth. Smith led through the Lap 89 mark before the caution flew as Chase Elliott got loose off the second turn, slid down the backstretch and hit the inside wall head-on. This latest caution period featured most of the leaders pitting, except for McDowell and John Hunter Nemechek. Amid the pit stops, Bell received a penalty for equipment interference. Zane Smith was also penalized for speeding on pit road.

With five laps remaining in the first stage period, the event restarted as McDowell briefly gained an advantage with the lead from the inside lane. Through the first two turns, Larson and Hamlin pinned McDowell in a three-wide battle as Larson motored ahead with the lead. Hamlin then used the outside lane to draw alongside Larson through Turns 3 and 4, with the battle ensuing throughout the frontstretch. By the following lap, Larson was able to clear Hamlin and maintain a steady lead while Chase Briscoe challenged teammate Hamlin for third place. By then, McDowell had fallen outside of the top-10 mark while Erik Jones, Reddick, Blaney, Gibbs, Preece, van Gisbergen and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. trailed in the top 10, respectively.

When the first stage period concluded on Lap 100, Larson captured his fourth Cup stage victory of the 2026 season. Briscoe, Reddick, Hamlin, Jones, Blaney, Gibbs, Preece, Stenhouse and van Gisbergen were scored in the top 10, respectively. And, 33 of 39 competitors scored on the lead lap.

Under the event’s first stage break period, most of the front-runners led by Larson remained on the track. Other drivers, including Jones, Buescher, Noah Gragson, Ty Dillon, Cole Custer, McDowell, Nemechek, Cody Ware and Ross Chastain pitted.

The second stage period of the Coca-Cola 600 started on Lap 108 as Larson and Briscoe occupied the front row. At the start, Larson received a push from Hamlin and motored ahead of Briscoe through the first two turns. As the field fanned out and jostled for spots through the backstretch, Larson led the next two laps before Briscoe drew alongside and overtook Larson entering Turns 3 and 4 by Lap 111.

Just past the Lap 125 mark, Briscoe was leading by eight-tenths of a second over teammate Hamlin while Reddick, teammate Gibbs and Larson occupied the top-five spots ahead of Blaney, van Gisbergen, Stenhouse, Keselowski and Josh Berry, respectively. Briscoe stabilized his lead to eight-tenths of a second over Hamlin by Lap 130 before Hamlin narrowed the deficit to be within three-tenths behind Briscoe on Lap 140.

On Lap 143, Hamlin overtook Briscoe for the lead. Shortly after, green flag pit stops commenced as Byron pitted. More names that included Austin Dillon, Austin Hill, John Hunter Nemechek and Suárez pitted before Briscoe, Preece, Allmendinger and Corey Heim pitted by Lap 146. The leader Hamlin pitted on Lap 147 along with Larson, Blaney, van Gisbergen, Zane Smith and Bowman before more names that included Gibbs, Reddick, Stenhouse, Jones, Noah Gragson, Buescher and Joey Logano towards the Lap 150. Once the remainder of the field pitted under green, including Bell and Hocevar, Hamlin cycled back to the lead by Lap 155.

Just past the Lap 160 mark, Hamlin was leading the Coca-Cola 600 by more than three seconds over Briscoe while Gibbs, Larson, Reddick, Bell, Blaney, van Gisbergen, Stenhouse and Buescher were in the top 10, respectively. Hamlin added another second to his advantage, a four-second lead, by Lap 170, before the advantage slightly decreased to above three seconds at the Lap 180 mark. Hamlin would grow his lead back up to four seconds by Lap 190 as Gibbs, Briscoe, Larson, Reddick and Bell were in the top six, respectively.

When the second stage period concluded on Lap 200, Hamlin claimed his fourth Cup stage victory of the 2026 season over Gibbs, Briscoe, Reddick, Larson, Bell, Blaney, Buescher, van Gisbergen and Stenhouse, respectively. By then, 17 of 39 starters were scored on the lead lap.

Under the second stage break of the Coca-Cola 600, the field was brought to pit road for a brief intermission period. During the intermission period, the entire NASCAR community shared a moment of silence to honor and observe the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service of the United States of America on Memorial Day weekend. Once the intermission period concluded, the leaders pitted for service, and Hamlin exited pit road first ahead of Briscoe, Gibbs, Larson, Reddick, Buescher, van Gisbergen, Blaney, Stenhouse and Preece.

The third stage period of the Coca-Cola 600 started on Lap 207 as Hamlin and Briscoe occupied the front row. At the start, Hamlin dueled with Briscoe for nearly a full lap before he side-drafted his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate through the backstretch and just managed to motor ahead from the inside lane through Turns 3 and 4, which he led the next lap. By Lap 209, the caution returned when Katherine Legge, who had fallen off the pace and was driving below the apron in Turns 3 and 4, had a right-front wheel detached from her entry.

The next restart on Lap 215 featured Hamlin and Briscoe dueling for the lead for a second time. Compared to the previous restart, Briscoe managed to remain even with Hamlin for the following lap. But Reddick made a bold three-wide move on the latter two, sliding in front of Briscoe to lead the next lap. Reddick led the next four laps before Hamlin tried to assume it on Lap 222. Despite leading the latter lap, Reddick reassumed and maintained the top spot up to Lap 250 just as another cycle of green flag pit stops started to occur. During the cycle, Bell led seven laps before he pitted and Reddick cycled back as the leader by Lap 258.

At the Lap 270 mark and with concerns of wet weather looming towards the track, Reddick was leading by more than a second. Briscoe as Hamlin, Gibbs, Larson, Bell, van Gisbergen, Blaney, Logano and Stenhouse were racing in the top 10, respectively. Reddick continued to lead over the next 16 laps before Hamlin assumed the top spot on Lap 287. Hamlin would lead up to Lap 295 before Bell assumed it a lap later. Shortly after, the caution flew and the third stage period concluded under caution.

When the third stage of the Coca-Cola 600 concluded on Lap 300, Bell captured his third Cup stage victory of the 206 season. He won over his teammates Hamlin, Gibbs and Briscoe. Larson, Reddick, van Gisbergen, Keselowski, Blaney and Stenhouse were scored in the top 10. And, 19 of 39 competitors were scored on the lead lap.

During the event’s third stage break period, Timmy Hill had his event come to an end as his entry was on fire on the right side of his entry on pit road. Following an extensive caution period to have Hill’s incident cleaned, the lead lap field led by Bell pitted for service. Following the pit stops, Bell exited first ahead of teammates Gibbs and Hamlin while Briscoe dropped to seventh. Reddick and Larson exited in the remaining top-five spots, respectively.

With 88 laps remaining in the Coca-Cola 600, the final stage period commenced as Bell and Gibbs occupied the front row in front of Reddick, Hamlin, Briscoe and Larson. At the start, Gibbs briefly prevailed over Bell from the outside lane through the first two turns and the backstretch before he was pinned in a three-wide battle with Bell and Reddick.

Gibbs managed to fend off the latter two to lead the next lap. He spent the following five laps leading over Reddick, Larson and Bell before the caution returned. This was due to Stenhouse hitting Chastain in the rear, getting the latter loose and sending him spinning down the backstretch and making hard contact with the inside wall. Chastain’s wrecked entry then shot back up the track and was dodged by the field.

During the caution, nearly the entire field returned to pit road for service while Gibbs and van Gisbergen remained on the track. Following the pit stops, Larson, Bell, Hamlin, Briscoe, Jones, Logano and Zane Smith all exited pit road in front of Reddick following two-tire pit services.

With 74 laps remaining, Gibbs and van Gisbergen led the field to the restart, where van Gisbergen motored ahead through the first two turns. Van Gisbergen maintained a steady lead over Bell for two laps before Briscoe, who was mired in 13th place, bumped and sent Buescher into teammate Preece through the backstretch.

As Buescher spun through the backstretch, Preece and Briscoe collided as Briscoe hit the inside wall head-on while Berry hit Preece’s wrecked entry. During this caution period, some led by Gibbs and including Keselowski, Custer, Allmendinger, Stenhouse, Berry and McDowell pitted while the rest led by van Gisbergen remained on the track.

As the Coca-Cola 600 restarted with 63 laps remaining, Bell managed to outduel van Gisbergen for nearly a full lap as the former motored ahead during the next lap. Bell continued to lead over Hamlin, Reddick, Larson and van Gisbergen before the caution flew with 48 laps remaining due to reports of lightning six miles out of the track. The event, though, was not placed in a lightning hold as the reported lightning was moving away from the track, which kept the field under power and under a cautious pace. During this latest caution period, the field pitted and Suárez utilized a two-tire pit call to exit first ahead of Bell, Hamlin, Larson and Reddick.

When the event restarted with 31 laps remaining, Suárez launched ahead of Bell and Larson through the frontstretch. Suárez maintained the lead for a full lap while Bell was trying to fend off Hamlin for the runner-up spot. Suárez continued to lead in front of Bell and Hamlin over the next three laps before the caution flew due to reports of rain detected through the first two turns.

As the rain increased, the field led by Suárez was directed to pit road and the Coca-Cola 600 was placed in a red flag period for nearly eight minutes. Due to time constraints needed to have the track dried from the rain, the event was ruled official, 27 laps shy of its scheduled distance. As a result, Suárez was declared the winner by being the leader at the time of the event’s official ruling.

With the victory, Suárez notched his third NASCAR Cup Series career win, his first crown-jewel victory in NASCAR’s premier series and his first since he won at EchoPark Speedway in February 2024. He also achieved the second victory of the 2026 season for Spire Motorsports and the first for crew chief Ryan Sparks.

While celebrating his Coca-Cola 600 victory with his crew, Suárez was overcome with emotions as he dedicated his victory to Kyle Busch, with whom Suárez was teammates in both the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup Series divisions. Suárez also campaigned in two part-time Craftsman Truck Series seasons with Busch’s team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, and achieved his first victory at Phoenix Raceway in November 2016.

“This [win] really means a lot,” Suárez said on pit road on Prime Video. “I’ve been saying for years that this is my favorite race of the year. I get to have my family here every year. This is most of the time the only race that I get to come. It’s been a very tough week. Kyle [Busch], he was special. This one is for Kyle, for Samantha, for Brexton, for Lennix, for all his family. This is very special. Every win is special, but definitely, this one has a special flavor because of Kyle.

“If it wasn’t for Kyle, I wasn’t going to be an [O’Reilly] champion. I wasn’t going to have my shot in the Cup Series and to be able to win this race for him, it’s unbelievable. The [No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet] team did an amazing job. It wasn’t easy. We had a lot of issues throughout the race, but they put us in contention and we executed well. The car was fast.”

Christopher Bell, who led 44 laps and won the third stage, finished in second place while Denny Hamlin, who led 75 laps and won the second stage, settled in third place. Tyler Reddick, who led a race-high 119 laps, ended up fourth place and Kyle Larson, who led 14 laps and won the first stage, rounded out the top five.

Ty Gibbs, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron and Zane Smith completed the top 10 in the final running order, respectively.

There were 32 lead changes for 13 different leaders. The event featured 12 cautions for 75 laps. In addition, 20 of 39 starters finished on the lead lap.

Following the 13th event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Tyler Reddick leads the standings by 122 points over Denny Hamlin, 174 over Ryan Blaney, 195 over Ty Gibbs and 197 over Chase Elliott.

Results:

  1. Daniel Suárez, 17 laps led
  2. Christopher Bell, 44 laps led, Stage 3 winner
  3. Denny Hamlin, 75 laps led, Stage 2 winner
  4. Tyler Reddick, 119 laps led
  5. Kyle Larson, 14 laps led, Stage 1 winner
  6. Ty Gibbs, 17 laps led
  7. Ryan Blaney
  8. Joey Logano
  9. William Byron
  10. Zane Smith, 31 laps led
  11. Shane van Gisbergen, 11 laps led
  12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  13. Erik Jones
  14. Michael McDowell led three laps
  15. Brad Keselowski
  16. Cole Custer
  17. Alex Bowman
  18. AJ Allmendinger
  19. Corey Heim
  20. Todd Gilliland
  21. Riley Herbst, one lap down
  22. Bubba Wallace, one lap down
  23. Carson Hocevar, one lap down, four laps led
  24. Noah Gragson, one lap down
  25. Ty Dillon, one lap down
  26. John Hunter Nemechek, one lap down
  27. Austin Hill, one lap down
  28. Cody Ware, two laps down
  29. Josh Berry, two laps down
  30. Chris Buescher, six laps down
  31. Katherine Legge, 12 laps down
  32. Austin Dillon – OUT, Accident
  33. Ryan Preece – OUT, Accident, one lap led
  34. Chase Briscoe – OUT, Accident, 34 laps led
  35. Ross Chastain – OUT, Accident, three laps led
  36. Timmy Hill – OUT, Fire
  37. Chase Elliott – OUT, Accident
  38. Austin Cindric – OUT, Accident
  39. Connor Zilisch – OUT, Accident

Next on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. The event is scheduled to occur next Sunday, May 31, and air at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video, PRN Radio, SiriusXM and HBO MAX.

Rosenqvist Earns Epic Victory in Closest-Ever Indianapolis 500 Finish

INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, May 24, 2026) – Felix Rosenqvist capped his magical May by edging David Malukas in a last-lap drag race to the Yard of Bricks with the highest stakes, winning the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the closest finish in the century-plus history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Rosenqvist rode the high line against the concrete wall exiting Turn 4 on Lap 200 in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian and powered past the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet of David Malukas to prevail by .0233 of a second. The previous closest finish in “500” history came in 1992, when Al Unser Jr. held off a charging Scott Goodyear by .043 of a second.

“Unreal; I still don’t believe it,” Rosenqvist said. “It kind of worked out the right way when I got back to third, and then I just had to flat-out lap on the high line, and it stuck,” Rosenqvist said. “It was just the coolest way you can finish and win an Indy 500.”

The breathtaking race featured an event-record 70 lead changes over its 200 scintillating laps, breaking the previous mark of 68 set in 2013. With his second career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory, Rosenqvist became the third Swedish driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” joining Kenny Brack (1999) and Marcus Ericsson (2022).

Meyer Shank Racing also earned its second NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory – both coming in the most prestigious race in the world. Helio Castroneves captured his record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 victory in 2021 for the Ohio-based team.

The victory capped a remarkable month for Rosenqvist. He and his wife, Emille, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Stella, on May 4.

“I really miss my wife and my newborn child, Stella,” Rosenqvist said. “I wish they were here with me. This whole month, becoming a dad and winning the ‘500’ … We joked about it in the beginning: ‘Maybe you’ll win the ‘500’ and have a baby.’ It’s just unreal.”

Scott McLaughlin finished third in the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet, as the fabled team placed two drivers in the top three but fell just short of a record-extending 21st Indy 500 victory.

Pato O’Ward placed fourth in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, his fifth career top-four finish in seven “500” starts without a victory. Marcus Armstrong rounded out the top five in the No. 66 Acura Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian despite taking the green flag in the lead on a one-lap shootout for the victory after a late caution.

An incredible .4360 of a second separated the top-five finishers. Rosenqvist’s average speed was 162.021 mph.

The one-lap dash to the checkered flag and immortality was set up when rookie Mick Schumacher brushed the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 in his No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda on Lap 197.

Racing resumed at the end of Lap 199, with Armstrong leading to the flag stand with the white flag in the air and one lap remaining, with Malukas in second and Rosenqvist third. Malukas powered to the lead entering Turn 1 and started to pull away on the backstretch of the 2.5-mile oval with teammates Armstrong and Rosenqvist running side by side in a joust for second.

Rosenqvist, running the high line around the oval, nosed ahead of Armstrong in Turn 4 and set his sights on Malukas. With the checkered flag in the air ahead, Malukas drove his car toward the pit wall to try and break Rosenqvist’s aerodynamic tow. Malukas then moved toward the center of the track, and Rosenqvist quickly swung his machine back toward the top of the racetrack, just barely avoiding contact.

The two cars were side by side yards from the finish line when Rosenqvist nosed ahead and crossed the Yard of Bricks first by about a half-car length, the capacity crowd of 350,000 pulsating in delight.

It was the most important of the 629 on-track passes in the race, including 567 for position.

“I don’t know what else we could have done,” Malukas said as he choked back tears in his pit box. “We were the fastest car that whole race. I gave it 150 percent. I mean, I almost crashed this damn car every lap, and we still ended up with a P2.

“I just can’t believe it. I don’t know what else I can give. So close. This place, we’re going to come back and bring it everything. We’re going to give it 160 percent the next time.”

Said Rosenqvist: “Good job to Marcus and David at the end. They raced really cleanly. It’s because of drivers like that you get really good racing. Unbelievable.”

McLaughlin, O’Ward and Armstrong then crossed the Yard of Bricks three-wide in the sprint for third, capping a race for the ages.

The spellbinding finish was the final act of a dual-strategy drama that unfolded over the closing laps. O’Ward, Armstrong and Rosenqvist made their final pit stops on Laps 164, 165 and 166, respectively, right at the edge of the fuel window to finish the race without another stop under green-flag racing.

Meanwhile, Malukas, McLaughlin and pole sitter Alex Palou in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda were among a group of cars that were on a different sequence and had to make their final stops on Laps 175 (Malukas) and 176 (Palou and McLaughlin).

Malukas took control of that chasing group, but they were more than 20 seconds behind O’Ward, Rosenqvist and Armstrong with less than 25 laps to go. Rosenqvist, with two more laps of fuel than O’Ward, was content to ride in the draft of the Mexican and save even more fuel as both lapped nearly 10 mph slower than the chasing pack to ensure they could make it to the finish.

Rosenqvist finally pounced past O’Ward for the lead on Lap 185 and was headed toward Easy Street.

The chasing trio of Malukas, McLaughlin and Palou appeared to be running out of laps to catch O’Ward, Rosenqvist and Armstrong, but the field was bunched on Lap 192 when rookie Caio Collet slammed the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 in the No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet of A.J. Foyt Enterprises, triggering the sixth of seven caution periods in the race.

Race officials immediately red-flagged the event for accident cleanup, with all cars pulling into the pits.

“It was the perfect situation for us before that,” Rosenqvist said. “We kind of had everything lined up. Pato was struggling with fuel, and we were pretty rich (on fuel) to the end. I was like: ‘This is going to be great. At some point you’re just going to pass him and hopefully cruise to the win.’ But then in the end, everything flipped upside-down.

“But you just have to reload. I was a little negative at first. I was like, ‘Of course, this happened.’ But then you just had to think forward. It actually was good when I got back to third because it felt like I was hunting instead of being hunted.”

Rosenqvist led the field to green flag on the Lap 196 restart after the 10-minute red flag period, with O’Ward second and Armstrong third. But Armstrong powered to the front in the four-wide restart with a bold outside move in Turn 1, with Malukas riding his aerodynamic coattails to second. But then Schumacher made contact with the SAFER Barrier to bring out the final caution on Lap 197, setting up the one-lap dash for glory.

NTT P1 Award winner Palou led a race-high 59 laps but finished seventh. Adding his 12 bonus points for earning the Indy 500 pole, Palou leads the series standings by 42 points over Malukas entering the next event, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday, May 31 on the streets of Detroit.

2026 Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Recap: Charlotte Motor Speedway

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY I

Event: North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 laps / 201 miles)
Round: 10 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Date & Time: Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 AM ET

No. 4 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

Start: 34th
Stage 1: 8th
Stage 2: 17th

Finish: 9th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 29th

  • Key Takeaway: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the J.F. Electric team had a roller coaster of a day in Charlotte, but made the most out of it and nabbed another top-10 finish. Stenhouse Jr. rolled off from the trunk of the field due to the qualifying metric system, but he quickly found a way forward. The No. 4 Silverado broke into the top-10 on several occasions, but received damage later on in the race after making contact on restarts. Stenhouse Jr.’s pit crew made damage repairs which kept him in the hunt, and the Cup Series veteran was able to rally back for a solid ninth-place result.
  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s Post-Race Thoughts: “It felt like we passed a thousand trucks out there today. We started at the back and worked our way forward. On a couple of those restarts, I felt like I needed to clear some of the guys that were kind of holding each line up, and I just felt like I always picked the wrong line or did the wrong thing, which took us out of being able to run top-five. I felt like my truck was capable of it, but it just seems like every decision I made was wrong as a driver on the restarts. I feel like I kind of had a flat there, so I kind of felt it out a little bit, and then lost our track position. I was coming back through there and got some damage when those two trucks got together and came in, fixed the damage up as much as we could and then drove from dead last to ninth there. Our J.F. Electric Chevy was really fast, I was really happy with it. I had a lot of fun, but I’m just bummed that I never made the right decisions there on the restarts.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

No. 42 Comprehensive Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Conner Jones | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

Start: 22nd
Stage 1: 25th
Stage 2: 27th

Finish: 14th
Driver Points: 32nd
Owner Points: 25th

  • Key Takeaway: Conner Jones and the Comprehensive Logistics team had some close calls throughout the race in Charlotte, but never gave up and earned a top-15 result. Jones started the time-shortened event in 22nd and was moving forward when he received damage on the right front of his truck in the opening stage. Jones nearly avoided a spinning truck on the backstretch, but picked up additional damage after getting slightly clipped on the right side. The No. 42 crew repaired his truck and made adjustments to tighten the handling up for the final run to the checkers. Jones crossed the line in 14th-place – marking his best finish of the year so far.
  • Conner Jones’ Post-Race Thoughts: “I think we just fired off too free, and we were consistently too free the whole run. I felt like every time I’d get in dirty air, we could do a little something, but we would end up getting free when someone would put it on our door pretty hard. We got the damage from the stack up down into turn one. There was not really much I could do; I got ran through from the back. Overall, I feel like it was a really solid day. Best finish of the year so far. Just can’t thank all of my partners, everyone at Comprehensive Logistics, Chevrolet, Scott’s Collectibles, and my Niece Motorsports guys enough. Our truck was really, really good today.”

About Comprehensive Logistics: Comprehensive Logistics (CLI) is a full-service inbound-to-manufacturing logistics partner specializing in high-volume, high-velocity, and highly complex operations, including warehouse management, value-added services, sequencing, transportation, and sub-assembly manufacturing. By integrating advanced technology, data-driven insights, and process engineering with experienced teams, CLI delivers high-precision, reliable logistics solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. For more information, please visit complog.com.

No. 44 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andres Perez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

Start: 27th
Stage 1: 15th
Stage 2: 22nd

Finish: 19th
Driver Points: 17th
Owner Points: 24th

  • Key Takeaway: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the Acceptance Insurance team showcased resilience in Charlotte. Pérez de Lara had to start towards the rear of the field once qualifying was cancelled due to rain, but he navigated through the pack in the opening stage. The No. 44 truck had speed, and his pit crew gained him spots on multiple occasions. While running just outside the top-10 in the final stage, however, Pérez broke loose while running under another truck and went for a spin. Luckily, the truck did not receive any damage, and Pérez was able to continue on in the race. He was credited with a 19th-place finish.
  • Andrés Pérez de Lara’s Post-Race Thoughts: “It was a little bit of a chaotic race. We had to start in the back due to the metric, and I feel like we made some gains. Our Acceptance Chevy had some speed, but we just got caught in some bad situations throughout the race. That last spin at the end killed our chances at putting together a good result, but we have the speed. We’re ready to go back to Nashville and see what we can do there.”

About Acceptance Insurance: Acceptance Insurance is a proud member of Confie, the largest personal lines agency in the U.S. We believe in investing in the communities we serve by offering affordable insurance solutions so our customers can have peace of mind. Our agents and team members uphold our values, which include promoting excellence, responsibility and caring.

Acceptance has been in business for over 50 years. We have over 700 agents in over 288 neighborhood locations ready to give you the service, respect and savings you deserve. We come to you so you can find the solutions you need, regardless of your background and driving record. We offer easy solutions to meet your unique needs.

No. 45 Protect Your Melon North Carolina Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

Start: 14th
Stage 1: 11th
Stage 2: 3rd

Finish: 29th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 8th

  • Key Takeaway: Ross Chastain and the Protect Your Melon team contended for the race win in Charlotte, but unfortunately were not able to finish. Chastain started mid-pack, but it did not take him long to find the leaders. Noting a tight-handling truck, the team made adjustments to free Chastain up in the second stage where he moved up to third. After making contact with another competitor on the backstretch, Chastain’s right front tire deflated and prompted him to lose track position in the final stage. Through strategy, the No. 45 made it back into the top-five once again, but the battery became disconnected in the closing laps of the race. With too little time to change it out, the team was done for the day in 29th-place.
  • Ross Chastain’s Post-Race Thoughts:

Interviewer: Ross, I know it wasn’t the finish you wanted out there, but your truck looked good for a little bit out there. How did it feel out there today?

“Yeah, I took the left front fender in at the start of the race, and that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the day. I knocked the right front off and the right rear quarter panel. We were still fast enough to compete, but that was just a very sloppy day on my part. I took a truck that could have won and knocked the fenders off it. Our Protect Your Melon Silverado was fast, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Huge thanks to all of the No. 45 guys for bringing us a great truck today.”

About the North Carolina Governor’s Office of Highway Safety: Dedicated to reducing the numbers of traffic crashes and fatalities in North Carolina, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program promotes efforts to reduce traffic crashes in North Carolina and promotes highway safety awareness through a variety of grants and safe-driving initiatives.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series since 2016. The team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra, and was founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Layne Riggs wins wild, race-shortened Truck event at Charlotte

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Layne Riggs persevered to win a wild conclusion to the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, that was postponed to two days and shortened by 24 laps due to time constraints.

The 23-year-old Riggs from Bahama, North Carolina, led five times for a race-high 52 of 110-scheduled laps in an event where he started on the front row and was competitive by racing at the front for a majority of the event. With the event mired with a race-record 11 caution periods, on-track incidents, foggy conditions, and intense on-track battles towards the front, Riggs capitalized on the final restart by receiving a push from teammate Chandler Smith. This allowed Riggs to lead the final seven laps under NASCAR’s adverse conditions rule due to time constraints, to fend off Kaden Honeycutt and notch an emotional Truck victory in the wake of the passing of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.

The event’s starting lineup was determined through a qualifying metric formula after inclement weather canceled Friday’s qualifying session. As a result, Corey Day, who filled in the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for the late two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, was awarded the pole position. He shared the front row with Layne Riggs.

The event was initially scheduled to occur on Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET, but was first postponed to Saturday morning and a second time to Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET due to inclement weather that canceled both the event’s practice and qualifying sessions. Ultimately, the event was postponed a third time to 10 a.m. ET for Sunday, May 24, due to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ event occurring throughout the Trucks’ initial second time slate. Prior to the start of Sunday’s Truck event, NASCAR revealed intentions to use the adverse conditions rule to have the event at Charlotte complete by noon ET.

When the green flag waved and the event commenced, Corey Day gained an early launch from the inside lane while Layne Riggs struggled to launch from the outside lane. This caused the field to stack up and fan out through the frontstretch and the first two turns. Amid the early action, Day led the first lap over a hard-charging Kaden Honeycutt before the latter used the outside lane to duel with Day. Both Day and Honeycutt continued to battle fiercely for the lead until Day forced Honeycutt towards the outside wall through Turns 3 and 4. This allowed Riggs, who rebounded from his stumbling start, to storm past both and assume the lead on the second lap.

Through the first five laps, Riggs was leading by four-tenths of a second over Christian Eckes while Honeycutt, Brandon Jones, Day, Chandler Smith, Stewart Friesen, Leland Honeyman Jr., Jake Garcia and Ross Chastain were racing in the top 10, respectively. Meanwhile, Luke Baldwin, who made early contact with the outside wall through the first two turns, plummeted to the tail end of the field in 36th place.

The following lap, the event’s first caution flew due to Shane van Gisbergen, who was racing towards the rear of the field, getting loose and spinning his No. 71 NationsGuard Chevrolet Silverado RST entry through the first two turns as he was dodged by Travis Pastrana. As the event restarted on the 11th lap, Riggs motored ahead of Eckes and Honeycutt from the inside lane and through the first two turns to retain the lead while the rest of the field behind fanned out through the backstretch. While Riggs led the next lap, the field continued to fan out and jostle for early spots through every turn and straightaway.

On Lap 14, Eckes and Riggs made contact for the lead through the frontstretch, with Riggs nearly getting sideways while trying to side-draft Eckes on the right-rear side. This allowed Eckes to move into the lead and both Honeycutt and Brandon Jones followed suit in second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Riggs dropped to fourth place in front of teammate Chandler Smith as Eckes continued to lead by four-tenths of a second through the Lap 20 mark.

Shortly after, the event’s second caution flew due to Ty Majeski falling off the pace and coasting his No. 88 Menards/ThorSport Racing Ford F-150 entry through the apron. Majeski’s incident occurred not long after he pitted during the event’s first caution, and he dropped out of the lead lap category after he needed a wrecker to push him back to pit road. Teammate Cole Butcher would also drop off the pace, and he needed a wrecker’s push to assist him due to a mechanical issue. During the latest caution period, nearly the entire field led by Eckes pitted while some, including Justin Haley, Dawson Sutton, Frankie Muniz, Spencer Boyd, and Josh Reaume, remained on the track. Following the pit stops and with mixed pit strategies ensuing, Enfinger, who only opted for fuel for his entry, exited pit road first ahead of Riggs, Eckes, Chastain and Honeycutt, respectively.

With two laps remaining in the second stage period, Haley was pushed by Enfinger ahead of Sutton through the frontstretch before the field, including the front-runners, engaged in a three-wide battle for the lead. Amid the three-wide action through the backstretch, Eckes motored ahead with the lead and he retained the lead throughout the two-lap shootout.

When the first stage period conclude on Lap 30, Eckes captured his third Truck stage victory of the 2026 season. Brandon Jones settled in second ahead of Riggs, Enfinger, Honeycutt, Sawalich, Day, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Jake Garcia and Giovanni Ruggiero, respectively, while 32 of 36 competitors were scored on the lead lap.

The second stage period started on Lap 35 as Eckes and Jones occupied the front row. At the start, Eckes motored ahead with the lead from the inside lane as the field fanned out through the first two turns and the backstretch. As Riggs came storming through the runner-up spot, Eckes led the next lap while teammates Honeycutt and Jones battled for third place in front of Enfinger and Day.

On Lap 38, the caution returned due to Luke Baldwin’s No. 2 Team Reaume Chevrolet Silverado RST entry blowing up in smoke and flames through the frontstretch. Baldwin managed to steer his entry below the apron through the first two turns and park it before he exited under his own power. Following an extensive caution period, the event restarted on Lap 45. At the start, Eckes and Riggs battled for the lead in front of a stacked field before Riggs received a push from Jones to motor ahead. As Honeycutt tried to make a three-wide move, Eckes lost ground of the lead as Riggs led the next lap over Jones, Eckes and Honeycutt, respectively.

During Lap 46, the caution returned for a wild accident through the backstretch when Day, who was trying to fend off Giovanni Ruggiero for sixth place, got turned. Amid Day’s spin, his No. 7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Silverado RST entry briefly came off the ground before it landed back on the ground and pounded the inside wall hard on the driver’s left side. Day’s wrecked entry then slid back up the track and was hit by Mini Tyrrell while the rest of the field scattered to avoid the carnage. During the latest caution period, some including Ruggiero, Enfinger, Stenhouse, van Gisbergen, William Sawalich, Chandler Smith, Dawson Sutton, Frankie Muniz, Corey LaJoie, Kris Wright, Conner Jones and Leland Honeyman Jr. pitted while the rest led by Riggs remained on the track.

The start of the next restart on Lap 53 featured Riggs motoring ahead from the inside lane ahead of Eckes, where Riggs then threw a block on Eckes through the backstretch. As the field both scrambled and fanned out towards multiple lanes through the frontstretch, Riggs led the next lap over Eckes and Jones while Ross Chastain navigated his way up to fourth place in front of Daniel Hemric, Honeycutt and Ben Rhodes.

When the second stage period concluded on Lap 60, Riggs captured his second Truck stage victory of the 2026 season. Eckes followed suit in second ahead of Chastain, Hemric and Jones while Honeycutt, Friesen, Rhodes, Jake Garcia and Tyler Ankrum settled in the top 10, respectively. By then, 31 of 36 starters were scored on the lead lap. During the event’s second stage break period, multiple competitors and front-runners led by Riggs and Eckes pitted while the rest led by Enfinger remained on the track.

With 68 laps remaining, the final stage period commenced as Enfinger and Connor Zilisch occupied the front row. At the start, Enfinger received a push from Ruggiero from the inside lane to motor ahead of Zilisch through the first two turns. Through the backstretch, Chastain and Honeyman Jr. made contact as Chastain nearly got loose while slipping through the backstretch’s infield. Chastain managed to keep his entry straight and proceed without drawing a caution despite sustaining a left-front tire rub. Another lap later, the caution returned due to Spencer Boyd spinning. At the time of caution, Ruggiero was leading ahead of Enfinger, Zilisch, Sawalich and Eckes, respectively.

The next restart with 62 laps remaining featured Ruggiero maintaining the lead form the inside lane ahead of Zilisch, Enfinger and a stacked field through the first two turns and the backstretch. As the field fanned out through Turns 3 and 4 before navigating back through the frontstretch, Ruggiero led the next two laps as the event reached its final 60-lap mark. Two laps later, the caution flew due to Leland Honeyman Jr. spinning below the apron entering the backstretch and hitting the inside wall on the driver’s left side.

During the latest caution period, a majority of the field led by Ruggiero pitted for service while some including Ankrum remained on the track. Ankrum and Sutton, both of whom did not pit, led the field to the next restart with 52 laps remaining. At the start, Ankrum was pushed by Riggs from the inside lane to motor ahead through the first two turns until Riggs used the outside lane and a push from Ross Chastain to assume the lead. As Riggs led the next lap, the field scrambled, fanned out and jostled for late positions while Zilisch, who was racing in the top 10, was penalized for a restart violation.

With less than 50 laps remaining, Riggs maintained a stable lead over a fierce battle for the runner-up spot that involves Chastain and Riggs. Behind, Chandler Smith occupied fourth place in front of Zilisch, Hemric and Ankrum while Friesen got loose and barely touched the outside wall entering the frontstretch. The caution then flew with 47 laps remaining due to Kris Wright and Brenden Queen wrecking against one another towards the frontstretch’s outside wall.

During the next restart with 40 laps remaining, Riggs and Eckes battled for the lead as the adverse condition rule came into effect with only 15 minutes left before the noon deadline loomed. Riggs initially had the advantage at the start before Eckes received a push from Honeycutt to overtake Riggs through the backstretch and lead for the next lap. Eckes maintained the lead until Riggs reassumed it with 12 minutes left. With 12 minutes left, Friesen spun through the frontstretch’s grass, but he nursed his entry to pit road without drawing a caution. Amid Friesen’s incident, Riggs maintained the lead over Eckes, Honeycutt, Chandler Smith and Chastain before the caution flew with 11 minutes remaining. The caution was for Andres Perez De Lara spinning as he entered the backstretch.

When the event restarted with four and a half minutes left on the clock, Riggs received a push from teammate Chandler Smith from the inside lane to motor ahead of Eckes and lead through the backstretch. Eckes then dropped out of the top-five mark, and the field scrambled through every turn and straightaway as Riggs maintained the lead with three minutes left over Honeycutt, Zilisch, and Chandler Smith.

Then, with less than three minutes left, the caution flew when Chandler Smith, who was dueling with Zilisch for third place, got loose as he slid up the track while nearly making contact with Zilisch, spun down the track, and hit the inside wall head-on. During the caution period, the noon deadline struck, and the event concluded under caution. This awarded Riggs, who sported his college UNC Charlotte on his No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 entry, the victory over a hard-charging Honeycutt.

Riggs
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

With the victory, Riggs, who dedicated his victory to the late two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, recorded his seventh NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career victory, his second of the 2026 season after he won at the Streets of St. Petersburg in mid-February, and his first at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Riggs’ Charlotte victory was also the third of the year for both Front Row Motorsports and Ford, with Ford achieving a Truck victory at Charlotte for a second time ever.

“I hope [Kyle Busch]’d be proud of that performance,” Riggs, who paid homage to Kyle Busch by performing Busch’s signature bow on the frontstretch and fought tears of emotions, said. “Our hearts are really heavy this weekend and just been trying to struggling with it a little bit, and just trying to have my game face on and right . Great job to everybody at Front Row Motorsports. Thank you so much to my teammate Chandler Smith. He stuck with me and pushed me [on that last restart]. Super proud of him and the strong performance we had today. This is a track that [Front Row Motorsports] and the Nos. 34 and 38 have struggled at for years. We really got to it on the Ford Racing Simulator. We went to work and we got it done. “

Kaden Honeycutt settled in second place while Connor Zilisch rallied from his late restart violation penalty to finish third. Ben Rhodes and Giovanni Ruggerio finished in the top five while Christian Eckes, Brandon Jones, Tanner Gray, Rick Stenhouse Jr., and William Sawalich completed the top 10 in the final running order.

There were 18 ead changes for nine different leaders. The event featured 11 cautions for 53 laps. In addition, 27 of 36 starters finished on the lead lap.

Following the 10th event of the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, Kaden Honeycutt leads the standings by 11 points over Layne Riggs, 71 over Christian Eckes, 75 over Giovanni Ruggiero, and 78 over Chandler Smith.

Results:

  1. Layne Riggs, 52 laps led, Stage 2 winner
  2. Kaden Honeycutt
  3. Connor Zilisch, one lap led
  4. Ben Rhodes
  5. Giovanni Ruggiero, 12 laps led
  6. Christian Eckes, 33 laps led, Stage 1 winner
  7. Brandon Jones, one lap led
  8. Tanner Gray
  9. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  10. William Sawalich
  11. Daniel Hemric
  12. Corey LaJoie
  13. Jake Garcia
  14. Conner Jones
  15. Shane van Gisbergen
  16. Grant Enfinger, four laps led
  17. Justin Haley, three laps led
  18. Timmy Hill
  19. Andres Perez De Lara
  20. Tyler Ankrum, three laps led
  21. Travis Pastrana
  22. Dawson Sutton
  23. Leland Honeyman Jr.
  24. Frankie Muniz
  25. Spencer Boyd
  26. Stewart Friesen
  27. Cole Butcher
  28. Josh Reaume, one lap down
  29. Ross Chastain, three laps down
  30. Chandler Smith, four laps down
  31. Kris Wright – OUT, Accident
  32. Brenden Queen – OUT, Accident
  33. Ty Majeski, 59 laps down
  34. Mini Tyrrell – OUT, Accident
  35. Corey Day – OUT, Accident, one lap led
  36. Luke Baldwin – OUT, Engine

Next on the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule is Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee, for the Allegiance 200. The event is scheduled to occur next Friday, May 29, and air at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM.

TOYOTA RACING – NCTS Charlotte Post-Race Report – 05.24.26

HONEYCUTT HOLDS POINTS LEAD WITH RUNNER-UP FINISH
TRICON Garage puts all five of their Tundras in the top-10 for the second time in team history

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 24, 2026) – Kaden Honeycutt battled for the lead late before finishing second in a shortened NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon. The race, which was delayed four times from its original starting time of Friday evening, completed 110 of 134 laps before it was called. Honeycutt continues to hold the points lead.

TRICON Garage had a stellar team day as they placed their five Tundras in the top-10 for the second time in team history (COTA 2024). Honeycutt (second) was followed to the line by Gio Ruggiero (fifth), Brandon Jones (seventh), Tanner Gray (eighth) and William Sawalich (10th). For Jones, it is his third top-10 in as many Truck starts this season.

TOYOTA RACING Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS)
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Race 10 of 23 – 201 Miles, 134 Laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Layne Riggs*

2nd, KADEN HONEYCUTT

3rd, Connor Zilisch*

4th, Ben Rhodes*

5th, GIO RUGGIERO

7th, BRANDON JONES

8th, TANNER GRAY

10th, WILLIAM SAWALICH

18th, TIMMY HILL

23rd, LELAND HONEYMAN JR.

26th, STEWART FRIESEN

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

KADEN HONEYCUTT, No. 11 Safelite + Foster Love Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 2nd

What would have one more restart done for you?

“I don’t know. Maybe would have won the race. We will never know. I thought that with Ben (Rhodes) behind me, I would have had a really good pusher to go and mix it up for the win, but unfortunately, we had the time clock. What else could you do. We couldn’t go more than five or six laps green today, really just a bad race for all of us. Really egregious, but thank you to Safelite, Foster Love, the whole 11 team, TRICON Garage, TOYOTA RACING, Mobil 1 – everyone that supports us, it is very much appreciated. Definitely could be worse. I definitely wanted to be the guy that gave Kyle (Busch) the bow there, because he definitely deserved it. If I had won, I was planning on giving Brexton (Busch) the flag, because he probably would have laid another butt whopping on us if he was here. Just a bad week for all of us; a tough weekend for the whole community. Hug your loved ones, appreciate them, tell your mom and dad that you love them even if you don’t have a great relationship with them. Life means more than racing for sure. Second is good, still have a points lead and we will fight in Nashville next week.”

GIO RUGGIERO, No. 17 First Auto Group Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 5th

How do you feel about the run?

“I feel good about the truck. Our Tundra drove really good. Just unfortunate that we ran out of time there at the end of the race, but just looking forward to going to Nashville and continuing to have speed and the handling we have had the last few weeks.”

TANNER GRAY, No. 15 Black’s Tire Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 8th

Solid top-10 and helped TRICON get all of their Tundras in the top-10. Can you tell us about your race?

“Yeah, just not a very clean day for our Black’s Tire Tundra. I feel like this is one of our better race tracks for qualifying, so I was bummed out when it got rained out. Just starting 19th, 20th made it kind of tough on us. We fired off – I was too tight, so we tried to come down and make a small adjustment and just kind of got on the other side of it, and really just hopped around on either side of the balance most of the day. There at the end, we just went back to how we started the race and was able to get back through there with a good call by Jeff (Hensley, crew chief) putting tires on when he did, just a couple of good restarts. Not a super clean day, but hopefully we can build on it as we go into Nashville. We are in a little bit of a points hole, so hopefully this is a start of digging us out of that.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.