After failing to qualify for the Daytona 500, Chandler Smith’s no. 38 wins the Craftsman Truck Series opener at Daytona.
The four-wide run to the finish saw Cup Series driver John-Hunter Nemechek sent from first to fifth between turn 4 and the checkered flag.
Giovanni Ruggiero finished in the runner-up spot in the no. 17, Christian Eckes’ no.91 came through third, and Ty Majeski, replacing Matt Crafton in the iconic no. 88 finished fourth.
Internet sensation Garrett Mitchell (aka Cletus McFarland) spun his no. 4 into wall on lap five, ending his first career truck series start with a 37th place finish.
Tony Stewart, making a one-off return to NASCAR for RAM’s debut, wrecked on the frontstretch with the no. 98 of Jake Garcia, relegating him to 36th place.
2021 Daytona 500 champion Michael McDowell was up front for the majority of the race, leading 20 laps and placing fifth in both stages. Going for the lead on the penultimate lap, McDowell was spun while going for the lead., finishing 24th.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series takes on the Echopark Speedway in Atlanta on February 21st.
Featured Image Credits: NASCAR_Trucks on Twitter/X
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