Layne Riggs will bring new energy and school pride to the track as he races his No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 in the bold green and gold of UNC Charlotte during the next two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, scheduled for North Wilkesboro Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. As a 2024 graduate of UNC Charlotte’s mechanical engineering program, Riggs proudly returns to represent his alma mater in front of national audiences, blending his academic background with top-tier competition as he aims to make a major impact in the series.
UNC Charlotte’s presence on Riggs’ truck is more than symbolic; it marks a meaningful intersection between education and elite motorsports competition. The partnership highlights Riggs’ strong academic accomplishments—earning his bachelor’s degree while simultaneously contending for Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Now, with two career wins and a growing reputation for on-track success, Riggs continues to leverage the lessons learned in the classroom at one of racing’s central hubs.
“My education is something I take a lot of pride in,”
Layne Riggs said in a team press release.
“When I started my journey at Charlotte, I put a big emphasis on taking what I learned in the classroom and applying it to my racing career, something I still do today, driving for Front Row Motorsports. Both my crew chief and my engineers have an engineering background, so when I joined the team, I was able to apply my degree in not only SIM sessions but also at the track to help them make the proper adjustments. I owe a lot of my success to my Alma Mater and my former professors, so it’s special to me that I get to represent them on track. Hopefully, I can make current students and professors proud with a trip to Victory Lane.”
High expectations now meet opportunity for Layne Riggs, as his recent performances have drawn considerable attention. This season, he has secured two top-five finishes and three top-ten results in just nine races, placing ninth in the championship standings—a promising start for a determined competitor. The exposure gained from racing with UNC Charlotte’s colors is anticipated to inspire other students and young racers, while strengthening the university’s ties to the NASCAR industry.
UNC Charlotte faculty and staff also celebrate Riggs as an example of their institution’s commitment to developing talent in the world of motorsports.
“At UNC Charlotte, we don’t just teach motorsports, we’re crafting the future of racing,”
said Harish Cherukuri, Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the William States Lee College of Engineering.
“Layne Riggs is a shining example of what happens when you combine engineering expertise with passion and grit. His success, both in class and on the track, reflects the strength of our hands-on approach and our deep ties to the heart of the motorsports industry right here in Charlotte.”
The upcoming races will not only test Layne Riggs’ competitive edge but also showcase the unique connection between academics and high-stakes racing. As he continues to influence both the track and the classroom, the outcome of these events may drive future collaborations between NASCAR and educational institutions, further confirming UNC Charlotte’s growing presence in the motorsports community.
