The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is heating up, and the 11th points-paying event — the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 — is set for Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With 34 drivers on the preliminary entry list and a maximum starting field of 36 trucks, fans can expect a full grid and plenty of racing action.
This race marks an important stop in the 2025 season, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and some familiar faces from other NASCAR series. Let’s dive into the key drivers, teams, and what to watch for heading into this exciting 200-mile battle at Charlotte.
Strong Field Featuring Recent Winners and Veterans
One of the biggest stories heading into Friday’s race is the presence of Chandler Smith, the most recent winner in the Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Smith will be piloting the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports, looking to carry his momentum from that victory to another strong run in Charlotte. His consistency and aggressive driving style have made him a standout this season, and he’ll be one to watch on the 1.5-mile oval.
Alongside Smith, several veterans with proven track records will be competing. Names like Kyle Busch (No. 7, Spire Motorsports), Ross Chastain (No. 44, Niece Motorsports), and Matt Crafton (No. 88, ThorSport Racing) will bring experience and skill to the track. Busch, a former Cup Series champion, is always a threat to win whenever he competes in the Truck Series, making him a key figure for fans and competitors alike.
Notable Rookies and Young Talent Shaping the Future
The Truck Series has long been a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers, and Friday’s entry list features several exciting rookies and young competitors who are eager to make their mark. Drivers like Luke Fenhaus (No. 66, ThorSport Racing) and Stefan Parsons (No. 02, Young’s Motorsports) have shown flashes of speed and tenacity, making them names to watch in the coming years.
Additionally, the presence of drivers who split time between NASCAR’s top tiers adds another layer of intrigue. Brandon Jones (No. 1, TRICON Garage), for example, is known for his success in the Xfinity Series but continues to demonstrate strong performances in the Truck Series. His versatility across NASCAR’s divisions is impressive and could play a crucial role in the Charlotte race outcome.
Team Strategies and Crew Chiefs to Keep an Eye On
Beyond the drivers themselves, the role of the teams and crew chiefs will be vital in determining the race’s success. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s fast but challenging layout requires precise setups and quick adjustments. Teams like ThorSport Racing, TRICON Garage, and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing bring deep experience and strong engineering support to the track.
| No. | Car # | Driver |
| 1 | 2 | Stefan Parsons |
| 2 | 7 | BJ McLeod |
| 3 | 1 | Brandon Jones |
| 4 | 2 | Cody Dennison |
| 5 | 5 | Toni Breidinger |
| 6 | 7 | Kyle Busch |
| 7 | 9 | Grant Enfinger |
| 8 | 11 | Corey Heim |
| 9 | 13 | Jake Garcia |
| 10 | 15 | Tanner Gray |
| 11 | 17 | Gio Ruggiero |
| 12 | 18 | Tyler Ankrum |
| 13 | 19 | Daniel Hemric |
| 14 | 22 | Mason Maggio |
| 15 | 26 | Dawson Sutton |
| 16 | 33 | Frankie Muniz |
| 17 | 34 | Layne Riggs |
| 18 | 38 | Chandler Smith |
| 19 | 42 | Matt Mills |
| 20 | 44 | Ross Chastain |
| 21 | 45 | Kaden Honeycutt |
| 22 | 52 | Stewart Friesen |
| 23 | 56 | Timmy Hill |
| 24 | 66 | Luke Fenhaus |
| 25 | 71 | Rajah Caruth |
| 26 | 75 | Parker Kligerman |
| 27 | 76 | Spencer Boyd |
| 28 | 77 | Andres Perez De Lara |
| 29 | 81 | Connor Mosack |
| 30 | 88 | Matt Crafton |
| 31 | 90 | Justin Carroll |
| 32 | 91 | Jack Wood |
| 33 | 98 | Ty Majeski |
| 34 | 99 | Ben Rhodes |
Crew chiefs like Jeff Hensley (TRICON Garage, driver Tanner Gray) and Brian Pattie (Spire Motorsports, driver Kyle Busch) are well-known for their strategic prowess. Their decisions during pit stops, tire management, and in-race adjustments can make or break the race day performance.
Furthermore, the collaboration between driver and crew chief is especially important in managing tire wear and fuel strategy on a 200-mile race at Charlotte. Watch how teams handle these critical moments under pressure.
News in Brief: North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Entry List
Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. With a full field of 34 drivers—including recent winners, rising stars, and established veterans—the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is set for intense competition.
Whether it’s Chandler Smith defending his form, Kyle Busch looking to add another win, or young drivers aiming to prove themselves, the mix of talent and experience creates an exciting atmosphere for fans and teams alike.
As the green flag drops, all eyes will be on who can best navigate the high speeds, strategy calls, and pressure of this iconic track to claim victory in one of the series’ marquee events.
ALSO READ: Who’s In and Who’s Out: 2025 NASCAR All-Star Entry List Shakes Up North Wilkesboro
