Mayer and Creed Both Caught Up in Incidents at Rockingham Speedway NASCAR Xfinity Series Returns to Rockingham for First Time Since 2004
Xfinity Series
The NASCAR Xfinity Series returned to Rockingham Speedway for the first time since 2004 on Saturday. Haas Factory Team got off to a strong start, with Sheldon Creed laying down the third-fastest lap in practice. However, power steering issues forced both Creed and Sam Mayer to make critical adjustments before the 250-lap race.
Both drivers turned in a respectable qualifying effort, as Mayer rolled off 11th and Creed started 17th. Track position proved to be key from the drop off the green flag at “The Rock”, and the duo quickly worked their way into the top-10 by lap 50. A late caution at the end of the stage flipped the field, as the HFT teammates both hit pit road for four tires and fuel.
Playing the strategy game, they restarted inside the top-10 to begin the second stage on fresh tires. It paid dividends as Mayer’s Audibel Ford Mustang drove up to sixth just 25 laps into the segment and began finding his groove on the inside line.
However, for the second week in a row, Creed was caught up in an accident on lap 109. Entering turn four, Justin Bonsignore got loose on entry and collected the No. 00 Road Ranger Ford Mustang, resulting in a 37th-place finish for Creed.
“I had a decent car all weekend long, and our team made some big adjustments throughout the race to help me,” Creed said. “We just needed a little more time to keep working at it, but just unfortunate for our team the way it’s ended now two weeks in a row.”
The No. 41 team gained Mayer a spot on pit road under caution, but six cars stayed out behind him which which shuffled him back to 11th at the end of stage two. With those drivers coming for tires and fuel at the stage end, Mayer was able to restart fourth to begin the final stage at Rockingham.
After a flurry of cautions in the last stage, Mayer was able to maintain his track position and hang around inside the top-10. The race ran green for nearly 40 laps, before three restarts due to cautions allowed Mayer to jump up from eighth to third over the final 20 laps.
On the final restart, Mayer restarted on the second row with just four laps to go, but the No. 41 car sputtered and was collected in a multi-car incident which led overtime. Despite running at the front all day long, Mayer was forced to settle for a 27th-place finish.
Up Next: The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Talladega Superspeedway next weekend for the 10th race on the NASCAR Cup Series/Xfinity schedule. Race coverage for the Xfinity series is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday on the CW, and Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX for the Cup Series.
About Haas Factory Team The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Beginning in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.
GRAY BATTLES FOR ANOTHER WIN AT ROCKINGHAM Dean Thompson earns first career stage win for himself and Sam Hunt Racing
ROCKINGHAM, NC (April 19, 2025) – Taylor Gray was on the front row on the final restart before finishing sixth to lead Toyota at the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ return to Rockingham Speedway on Saturday evening. Gray’s finish moved him to 14th in the Playoff standings – just 21 points out of the top 12.
Dean Thompson also had a memorable afternoon as he earned the first career stage win for himself and Sam Hunt Racing. Thompson finished 12th – his fifth top-15 finish in the last six races – to close to within 23 points of a Playoff berth.
Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Rockingham Speedway Race 10 of 33 – 235 miles, 250 laps
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Jesse Love* 2nd, Sammy Smith* 3rd, Parker Retzlaff* 4th, Harrison Burton* 5th, Brennan Poole* 6th, TAYLOR GRAY 12th, DEAN THOMPSON 13th, BRANDON JONES 26th, WILLIAM SAWALICH 36th, JUSTIN BONSIGNORE *non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
TAYLOR GRAY, No. 54 Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 6th
What more did you need there at the end?
“I feel like we had a really good Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra. I just needed the 4 (Parker Retzlaff) to not try to restart for me. I don’t know what he was doing. He just got me off sequence, jacked up the rear tires up off the ground and caused me to get a bad launch. Ultimately, that’s what got the 8 (Sammy Smith) to get clear of me on the restart. I don’t know if the 2 (Jesse Love) got him on entry or used up the race track trying to aero block – I’m not sure. I’m really proud of all of these Joe Gibbs Racing guys. It was a good rebound after all of these five or six races we’ve had. We’ve had speed everywhere we’ve gone – just crappy luck. Proud of everyone and good to get back on track.”
DEAN THOMPSON, No. 26 Thompson Pipe Group Toyota GR Supra, Sam Hunt Racing
Finishing Position: 12th
Got the team their first ever stage win, and scored another strong run. How was racing at the Rock?
“I didn’t know that was their first stage win – that was my first stage win too, so that was cool to share that experience with them. It’s what I’m here for. I feel like we are building each other up, and we are both getting better together and showing flashes of speed that no one thought we could achieve. Glad to be with on this Thompson Pipe Group Toyota team. We will keep building and keep getting faster.”
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 nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.
The U.S. transportation sector accounts for nearly 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. With stricter regulations and rising fuel costs, businesses are seeking smarter ways to move goods. Could vehicles combining electric and combustion power be the answer?
Over 17% of vehicles on American roads now use hybrid technology. This shift isn’t just for passenger cars—commercial fleets are joining the movement. Ford alone sold 20,000+ of these models in 2024, proving demand is growing fast.
Efficiency is key. These advanced machines cut emissions while maintaining the power needed for heavy loads. As gas prices fluctuate, their ability to optimize fuel use makes them a practical choice for logistics companies.
Transitioning to hybrid logistics is easier when a CDL staffing agency handles the recruiting, so companies can focus on optimizing performance and cutting emissions.
The balance between eco-friendliness and performance could redefine shipping. With regulations tightening, adopting greener solutions isn’t just ideal—it’s inevitable.
The Rise of Hybrid Trucks in Modern Logistics
Mild-hybrid systems provide an affordable way to enter the eco-friendly vehicle market. Models like the Ram 1500 eTorque deliver fuel-saving tech without the higher price of full hybrids. For fleets, this means lower upfront costs while still cutting emissions.
These engines reduce fuel consumption by 20–25% compared to traditional gas models. That’s thousands saved annually per vehicle, especially with unpredictable fuel prices. Efficiency isn’t just about miles per gallon—it’s about long-term value.
Lower maintenance costs: Fewer brake replacements and oil changes.
Extended warranties: Many batteries last over 100,000 miles.
Doubts about power? The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid tows 6,500 lbs—matching many conventional pickups. Meanwhile, the Ford Maverick starts at $23,200, proving hybrids fit diverse budgets.
As hybrid trucks become more common, working with a CDL staffing agency can ensure your fleet is operated by drivers who understand both fuel efficiency and electric vehicle maintenance.
From urban deliveries to cross-country hauls, these models balance performance and savings. The shift isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
Top Hybrid Truck Models Leading the Market
Three standout models dominate conversations about sustainable shipping solutions. Each balances power, efficiency, and affordability, making them favorites among fleet managers and businesses.
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
The F-150 PowerBoost delivers a 3.5L V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing 430 horsepower. Its Pro Power Onboard system turns the vehicle into a mobile generator—ideal for job sites.
24 MPG combined: Best-in-class for full-size pickups.
12,700-lb towing: Matches traditional gas models.
Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX engine combines a twin-turbo V6 with hybrid tech, achieving 22 MPG highway. The multi-terrain camera and adaptive suspension enhance off-road performance.
Ram 1500 eTorque
A budget-friendly mild-hybrid, the Ram 1500 eTorque offers a 395 HP V8 and 12,750-lb towing. Its start-stop system boosts fuel efficiency to 25 MPG highway (4×2 models).
Model
Engine
MPG (Highway)
Price (Starting)
Ford F-150 PowerBoost
3.5L V6 Hybrid
24
$42,000
Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
22
$51,000
Ram 1500 eTorque
5.7L V8 Mild-Hybrid
25
$38,000
These models prove that advanced features and eco-friendly designs don’t require sacrificing performance. For businesses, the price and long-term savings make them smart investments.
Fuel Economy vs. Power: What Hybrid Trucks Offer
Balancing fuel savings with raw capability is the defining challenge for modern work vehicles. Advanced designs now merge efficiency with the muscle needed for heavy loads, proving eco-friendly doesn’t mean underpowered.
As hybrid trucks become more common, working with a CDL staffing agency can ensure your fleet is operated by drivers who understand both fuel efficiency and electric vehicle maintenance.
MPG Comparisons Across Models
The Ford F-150 PowerBoost leads with 24 MPG combined, while the Ram 1500 eTorque hits 25 MPG highway. Even high-output options like the Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX achieve 22 MPG—outpacing many gas-only pickups.
Quick acceleration: The F-150 hits 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds, ideal for loaded starts.
Torque boosters: Electric motors enhance low-end power for uphill hauls.
Towing Capacity and Real-World Performance
Hybrid systems excel where it counts. The Ram 1500 targets 14,000 lbs towing, surpassing the F-150’s 12,700 lbs. Both leverage electric torque for smoother load handling.
Model
Engine
Max Towing (lbs)
0–60 mph (seconds)
Ford F-150 PowerBoost
3.5L V6 Hybrid
12,700
5.3
Ram 1500 eTorque
5.7L V8 Mild-Hybrid
14,000
6.1
Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
11,450
6.2
These vehicles prove that power and efficiency coexist. Fleet managers gain long-term savings without compromising performance—a win for budgets and the environment.
Sustainability Benefits of Hybrid Trucks
Businesses seeking greener logistics solutions find hybrid technology offers both environmental and financial perks. These vehicles slash CO₂ emissions by 15–20% compared to diesel models, aligning with stricter environmental regulations.
Battery longevity adds value to the investment. Most systems last 8–10 years, with replacement costs dropping as technology advances. For fleets, this means fewer disruptions and lower long-term expenses.
Zero-emission power: The Ram 1500 Ramcharger’s electric motor delivers 615 lb-ft of torque, proving eco-friendly doesn’t mean weak.
Fuel savings: Hybrids save thousands annually—especially with volatile gas prices.
Upfront price concerns fade when calculating total ownership. Over five years, fuel and maintenance savings often offset the initial premium. Here’s how the math works:
Cost Factor
Diesel Truck
Hybrid Truck
Fuel (5 years)
$28,000
$19,600
Maintenance
$6,500
$4,200
Total Savings
—
$10,700
From emissions to budgets, hybrids deliver measurable wins. For companies prioritizing sustainability and savings, the choice is clear. Fleet managers looking to maximize ROI on their sustainable upgrades often turn to a CDL staffing agency to find experienced drivers for their hybrid vehicles.
Conclusion
Leading brands like Ford, Toyota, and Ram are redefining what work vehicles can achieve. The Ford F-150 leads with unmatched towing, while the Toyota Tundra offers trusted durability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ram 1500 delivers top value without compromising power.
New electric-hybrid models, like the Ramcharger, promise emission-free logistics soon. Businesses should test-drive these options to match their needs—whether hauling heavy loads or cutting costs.
Ready to upgrade? Visit local dealerships to explore financing and experience the shift toward smarter shipping.
Connor Zillish wins the Xfinity Series pole at Rockingham. Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.
ConnorZilisch won the Xfiinity Series pole Saturday at Rockingham Speedway with a lap time of 22.630 seconds.
Unfortunately for Zilisch, he had a flat tire after his qualifying run that will have to be replaced. Since NASCAR considers this an unapproved adjustment, he will have to start at the rear of the field.
“It went flat right off of [Turn] 4,” he said, “frustrating, you know, you qualify on the pole and to start at the back is a little frustrating. But the WeatherTech Chevrolet is as fast as Xfinity Mobile. It was really good in practice yesterday.”
“Hopefully, the track will widen out a little bit, and make my job a little bit easier,” Zilisch continued. “But it could be tough. This place is … nobody knows. Anything can happen.”
Parker Retzllaff qualified second fastest and will start on the front row after a lap time of 22.631, only 1/1000 second slower.
“Definitely the most painful qualifying of my life,” Retzlaff said. “I thought we had it. It’s just painful to qualify second at a place we’re coming back to for the first time in a while. But I feel good, and feel like we have something to look forward to here.”Nicholas Sanchez, Kasey Kahne, and William Sawalich were the top five drivers in Xfinity qualifying.
Brandon Jones, Jesse Love, Justin Allgaier, Christian Eckes and Austin Hill completed the top-10. You can tune in to the Xfinity Series
You can tune into the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on the CW network with radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
NASCAR returned to the Rockingham Speedway yesterday afternoon for the seventh race of the season for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. In the series’ practice & qualifying session, Riggs posted the second fast lap time in practice and qualified fifth for the 200-lap event. In Stage One, Riggs ran within the top-five, reporting that he would need more rear security but was overall happy with the performance of the No. 34 Ford F-150. Riggs took the lead on the final lap of the stage, earning his first stage win of his career when he crossed the start / finish line. In Stage Two, Riggs picked up where he left off, taking the lead with 12 laps remaining in the stage to earn his second career stage win and sweep the first two stages of the race. Pitting at the stage-break caution, Riggs started the final stage in 11th. After two red flags, Riggs found himself back within the top-five but with just a few laps remaining, Riggs ran out of fuel and was forced to pit. Back on track, Riggs recovered to finish 11th, one lap down.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but to come out here and win two stages is something to be proud of,” said Riggs. “I’m really proud of how this No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 ran. We were fast all day, but it just came down to fuel mileage. It was a great showing for Bare Knuckle Boxing in their first race on the truck. Mike, Don and everyone there does a great job with their sport, so I’m glad they could be with us today and a part of our sport.”
Chandler Smith qualified second for NASCAR’s return to the Rockingham Speedway. In Stage One, Smith ran within the top-five alongside his teammate, Layne Riggs, finishing the stage in fourth. Smith doubled down in Stage Two, finishing the stage in fourth. Taking two tires at the stage-break caution, Smith won the race off of pit road to start the final stage. After two red flags, Smith raced up to second but dropped spots after running out of fuel. Smith finished 13th, his first finish outside the top-10 this season.
“It’s always tough when you’re in these fuel milage races,” said Smith. “The team brought a fast No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150, and we were happy with settling with a second place, but there’s not much you can do when you don’t have gas. Overall, it was still a good points day for us and gives us something to build off of for Texas.”
ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
Key Takeaway: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team were on their way to a promising finish in Rockingham before getting collected in a multi-truck crash late in the going. Mills earned his best qualifying result of the season in 13th, and held steady inside the top-15 in both of the first two stages. Just as the team eclipsed the top-10, Mills was swept away in the incident resulting in a disappointing 30th-place finish.
Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: A lot happened in a hurry there, what happened from your perspective and are you okay?
“Yeah, I’m all good. It looked like the No. 71 (Rajah Caruth) got free. It was the case all day on restarts. In traffic, it was just so free out there. It looked like he just got loose and slid right up in front of the guy right in front of me – the No. 52 (Stewart Friesen) and I just couldn’t check up so fast since I was committed to the throttle on the top. Just a check up with nowhere to go. I hate it, I felt like we actually had a good truck today and we were bouncing back, but didn’t get that top-10 yet.”
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.
About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
Key Takeaway: Bayley Currey and the No. 44 team brought a truck that had raw speed on both the short and long runs, and had high hopes for their first race at Rockingham. Currey qualified sixth, but was unfortunately taken out of contention with an early wreck on lap two. The Masked Owl Technologies pit crew worked hard at repairing the damage to keep Currey in the race, but lost several laps in the process. They were credited with a 20th-place finish through attrition.
Bayley Currey’s Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: You came home 20th, but started sixth only for that incident in the first couple laps. What did you see, and how bad was the damage?
“I actually just saw the replay and I don’t know, it seems like the No. 81 (Connor Mosack) got loose under me. I felt like I left him sufficient room, and just got turned. I hit the fence there and really killed the right-rear quarter of the truck which is where all your speed is made. It sucks that it turned out that way; I think we had a really fast truck even with the damage after the guys worked on it. I felt like we were still contending and had decent speed, but were a lot of laps down. It is what it is. We can keep digging. This No. 44 group keeps going and they keep bringing me fast Masked Owl Technologies / DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevys, and we’ll go onto Texas.”
About Masked Owl Technologies: Masked Owl Technologies (MOT) is an industrial solutions integrator specializing in developing customized automation and controls processes. They take a consulting-based approach to identify the root cause of system challenges and incorporate tested, emerging technology into industrial solutions that mitigate risk and solve complex problems, the first time.
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.
No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Key Takeaway: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team had a great showing at Rockingham Speedway. Honeycutt qualified in seventh-place and gained a considerable amount of points by finishing third and second in the opening two stages. The DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet led for a total of 12 laps, but slid back in the final run to the checkers to finish in sixth-place. Overall, it was a solid points night for the team who vaulted back above the Playoffs cutline.
Kaden Honeycutt’s Post-Race Thoughts:
Interviewer: Kaden, you came home sixth at Rockingham and had a fast truck all day. Just walk me through that ending with the fuel mileage with everyone running out and you guys were able to make it.
“Yeah, I was really shocked that they did make it. I ran out in the middle of [turns] three and four, so I have no idea how Ankrum and them made it to be honest with you. I’ll have to go back and see what they were doing. It was a really good truck; the first two stages were awesome. We had really good balance, had good restarts, and I lost the lead on the second stage because I didn’t get pushed. Then, we got it back, and I got hung up with a lapper and that gave Layne [Riggs] the lead. But yeah, still a great day. Our DQS Solutions & Staffing / Masked Owl Technologies Chevrolet was good. I just need to figure out how to do better on restarts, man. I’m choosing lanes and not benefitting from them at the right time. I just need to go back and see what I need to do different. Going forward, I’ll put myself in better spots and bring home the finishes that we’re supposed to.”
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.
About Masked Owl Technologies: Masked Owl Technologies (MOT) is an industrial solutions integrator specializing in developing customized automation and controls processes. They take a consulting-based approach to identify the root cause of system challenges and incorporate tested, emerging technology into industrial solutions that mitigate risk and solve complex problems, the first time.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 190+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams 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).
Tyler Ankrum wins Truck Series race at Rockingham. Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.
They say that good things come to those who wait. For Tyler Ankrum, the wait consisted of a 130-race winless streak with a bit of adversity thrown in. Finally, the wait is over, and his patience has paid off with a trip to Victory Lane at Rockingham.
After being involved in an accident on Lap 2, he was a lap down. But during the break for Stage 2 on Lap 90, he was once again on the lead lap.
Ankrum methodically made his way back to the front, took the lead on Lap 172, and never looked back. He attributed the win to fuel strategy.
“Just saving fuel, man”, he said. “I knew we were five (laps) short, and I was hoping I had saved enough, and we did.
“I just found something there where I was pretty much lifting 60 percent down the straightaway,. And, I was able to draft off of (Matt) Crafton and a couple of other guys, and I was able to save that way.
“It’s just surreal,” he continued. “I feel like this is pretty much the way it went down at Kentucky (his previous win) in 2019.”
Ankrum also received a $50,000 bonus check for winning the final race of the Triple Truck Challenge.
Jake Garcia finished second, Daniel Hemric third, Rajah Caruth fourth, and Grant Enfinger finished fifth, followed by Kaden Honeycutt, Jack Wood, Corey Heim, Connor Mosack, and Gio Ruggiero to complete the top 10.
After Rockingham, Corey Heim leads in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings by 22 points over Chandler Smith, 62 points over Tyler Ankrum, 73 points over Daniel Hemric, and 80 points over Layne Riggs.
The Truck Series returns to competition on May 2nd at Texas Motor Speedway for the SpeedyCash.com 250. You can tune in on FS1 to watch the race with radio coverage provided by SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Jake Garcia claims first career pole at Rockingham
Jake Garcia claimed his first career Truck Series pole Friday at Rockingham Speedway. He was fastest in Craftsman Truck Series qualifying at Rockingham Speedway with a 22.050-second lap at 153.469 mph in the No. 13 ThorSport Racing Ford, putting him on the pole for Black’s Tire 250.
But that was only the beginning of what proved to be an exceptional day as Garcia led 45 laps during the race and scored a runner-up finish.
“Yeah, it was a good day,” Garcia said. “Obviously, we want to be one stop or one spot higher, but I’m proud of our guys. We brought a really fast truck to the race track”. He summed it up by saying, “strategy deal there at the end.”
“I don’t know that I really improved a whole lot driver-wise — maybe a little,” Garcia said. “But we’re running about 20 spots better every week, so this is certainly refreshing. I was getting to doubt myself a little bit there. So yeah, I’m happy to have fast trucks and glad to be at ThorSport Racing.”
Chandler Smith will join Garcia on the front row in the No.38 Ford Front Row Motorsports Ford. Ben Rhodes, Connor Mosack, and Layne Riggs completed the top five.
Smith hopes he can keep the momentum going after his recent win at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“There’s a lot less pressure heading into the weekend knowing we are locked into the Playoffs, but we want more. I think we have a good shot at the Regular Season Championship.”
Baley Currey, Kaden Honecutt, Gio Ruggiero, Ty Majeski, and Tanner Gray rounded out the top 10.
The Truck Series Black’s Tire 200 airs this evening at 5 p.m. ET with a green flag start at 5:20 p.m. on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
HEIM LEADS MOST LAPS IN TRUCK SERIES RETURN TO ROCKINGHAM Pit strategy doesn’t go Heim’s way as he earns his fifth straight top-10 finish.
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (April 18, 2025) – Corey Heim led 52 laps and led Toyota with an eighth-place finish in the NASCAR Truck Series’ return to Rockingham Speedway on Friday evening. His teammate and fellow Toyota Development Driver, Gio Ruggiero, had another strong run and scored his second straight top-10 finish.
Heim continues to lead the point standings as the Truck Series takes next weekend off before returning to Texas Motor Speedway on May 2.
Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) Rockingham Speedway Race 7 of 23 – 188 Miles, 200 Laps
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Tyler Ankrum* 2nd, Jake Garcia* 3rd, Daniel Hemric* 4th, Rajah Caruth* 5th, Grant Enfinger* 8th, COREY HEIM 10th, GIO RUGGIERO 17th, BRANDON JONES 18th, TONI BREIDINGER 21st, TIMMY HILL 28th, TANNER GRAY 29th, STEWART FRIESEN 34th, JUSTIN CARROLL *non-Toyota driver
“Yeah, I don’t know. I thought we were really good all day. I had a really good Tundra TRD Pro. Huge thank you to Safelite, Toyota, TRICON for all of their efforts. I felt like if we had the track position we would have been in really good shape from the very start. Just didn’t have a good qualifying effort on my end. It was kind of an uphill battle from there all day. I didn’t exactly know what happened there the last 40 laps there, but we pitted, and it seems like some of the other guys didn’t run of fuel. Unfortunate. Just a weird deal in that last stage but have to be better on my part to qualifying better and have the track position – again, big thank you to TRICON Garage, Safelite and Toyota for all of their efforts.”
GIO RUGGIERO, No. 17 First Auto Group Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage
Finishing Position: 10th
Second straight top-10 for you. How was racing at The Rock?
“It was pretty cool. I had a lot of fun racing here today. Super fast track. We were out front for a while. I thought our First Auto Group Tundra drove really good in clear air. We definitely improved on a couple of things, so we have a lot of great momentum moving into the next one.”
STEWART FRIESEN, No. 52 Halmar International Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Halmar Friesen Racing
Finishing Position: 29th
What was your perspective?
“Big thank you to all of my guys. I was trying to go wide open in qualifying and kissed the wall. They did a really good job putting it back together – it was just as fast as it ended practice. Was just trying to bide our time. Saw Rajah (Caruth) get loose, tried to check-up as much as I could, and then just got run over. It is what it is.”
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 nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.
Tony Stewart returns to zMAX Dragway for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, April 25-27, aiming to make history as the 1,000th Top Fuel race winner and add a second Wally to his growing NHRA legacy. (Courtesy: NHRA)
Following his first-ever Top Fuel triumph at last week’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, Tony Stewart looks to make history as the 1,000th Top Fuel winner and add a second Wally to his collection at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway next weekend
CONCORD, N.C. (April 18, 2025) — No matter the car, series or surface, NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart has raced in almost all of them. Over his 25-year career, Stewart is the only driver in history to claim championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar, and now sets his sights on NHRA glory. Looking to make history in the 1,000th Top Fuel race of NHRA’s storied history, Stewart heads to zMAX Dragway for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, April 25-27.
After a milestone weekend in Las Vegas last weekend, Stewart took home his very first Top Fuel victory, marking another step forward toward the ultimate goal of another championship.
“I feel like the first one is always the hardest one to win,” said Stewart. “I feel like so many times when you’re trying to win that first one, emotion gets in the equation and the nerves get in. Once you win that first one, everybody calms down because their demeanor is different.”
As a familiar name at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Stewart captured the Bank of America 500 trophy in 2003 and a NASCAR All-Star Race victory in 2009. This time around, he aims to etch his name into NHRA history.
“I realize winning one race in drag racing isn’t rotating the earth by any means; it’s one win, but I think for what it means to me and what it does in the history books of motorsports, it was a very significant weekend with everything that we’ve won in,” said Stewart. “Now, you add a Top Fuel dragster to that, no one in the history of motorsports has ever done that, so to add that to the history books is what I think is personally at this point is the one thing that sticks out in my mind.”
As NHRA gears up for its 1,000th Top Fuel event, Stewart recognizes the magnitude of the moment for the sport’s history.
“Me being a part of the sport, going into their 1,000th race and knowing that NHRA’s 75th anniversary is next year and being a part of that in some capacity is really cool to be a part of,” said Stewart. “I got to be a part of NASCAR’s 50th, and I just know how important historic moments like these are.”
Fans can watch Stewart go for a breakout time and chase another Wally next weekend at zMAX Dragway. Qualifying runs are set for April 25-26, with action-packed eliminations to follow Sunday, April 27, where four drivers will be crowned American Rebel Light 4-Wide champions.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase tickets to the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Weekend packages start at $125, while kids tickets are just $10. Every ticket is a pit pass, so fans can see their favorite drivers and cars up-close before a festival of 44,000 horsepower ignites the excitement!
MORE INFO:
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