The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series heads into the 14th race of its 2025 season with the MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway on deck. The preliminary entry list features 34 trucks, meaning no one will be turned away before the green flag waves on Friday’s 200-mile showdown.
With top contenders returning, new faces joining the grid, and a few notable absences, the race at the “Tricky Triangle” promises another dose of short-run intensity and playoff-position shuffling. Fresh off his win at Michigan, Stewart Friesen headlines the field, looking to go back-to-back in the No. 52 Halmar International Toyota.
Key Storylines: From Friesen’s Return to Rookie Intrigue
Stewart Friesen’s return to the Craftsman Truck Series couldn’t be more well-timed. His victory last weekend at Michigan not only rejuvenated his 2025 campaign but also served as a reminder that the veteran still has race-winning pace. Driving for Halmar Friesen Racing, Friesen will try to replicate his past Pocono success, where strategy and clean air have always played a massive role.
A few high-profile drivers from other NASCAR series are set to compete, including Brandon Jones in the No. 1 TRICON Garage Toyota. After balancing Xfinity duties, Jones will take on Pocono’s unique challenge of three distinctly different corners and long straightaways—conditions that have exposed many rookies and even seasoned veterans in the past.
Another notable name returning is Carson Hocevar in the No. 7 Spire Motorsports entry. Hocevar, primarily focused on his Cup Series development this season, adds a dose of flair and aggression to the entry list—especially valuable at a track where well-timed restarts and late-race blocks can decide the outcome.
Among rookies and developing names, Toni Breidinger continues her full-season campaign with TRICON Garage, bringing momentum from recent strong runs and media visibility. Luke Baldwin, part of the ThorSport Racing pipeline, will make another start in the No. 66 Ford, eager to build seat time and earn a shot at more 2025 appearances.
Entry List Breakdown: Field Stability and Development Focus
With a maximum of 36 trucks allowed, the current 34-truck field ensures a full grid without the risk of DNQs. That creates a low-pressure qualifying environment for smaller teams and driver development programs—especially beneficial for entries like Norm Benning, Cody Dennison, and Frankie Muniz, each of whom represents independent or underfunded efforts.
Reaume Brothers Racing fields four entries this week, with Dennison, Clayton Green, Muniz, and Bryan Dauzat representing the team’s growing presence. Their development model continues to prioritize seat time over results, but with improving equipment and occasional top-20 flashes, Reaume’s depth is becoming increasingly important in the series.
Meanwhile, Niece Motorsports remains one of the busiest operations in the paddock, with four trucks on the list: Conner Jones (No. 44), Matt Mills (No. 42), Kaden Honeycutt (No. 45), and Andres Perez De Lara (No. 77). This wide-ranging roster allows Niece to evaluate driver performance over a variety of track types and conditions, including Pocono’s technical layout.
Entry | # | Driver |
1 | 2 | Nathan Byrd |
2 | 7 | TBA |
3 | 1 | Brandon Jones |
4 | 2 | Cody Dennison |
5 | 5 | Toni Breidinger |
6 | 6 | Norm Benning |
7 | 7 | Carson Hocevar |
8 | 9 | Grant Enfinger |
9 | 11 | Corey Heim |
10 | 13 | Jake Garcia |
11 | 15 | Tanner Gray |
12 | 17 | Gio Ruggiero |
13 | 18 | Tyler Ankrum |
14 | 19 | Daniel Hemric |
15 | 22 | Clayton Green |
16 | 26 | Dawson Sutton |
17 | 28 | Bryan Dauzat |
18 | 33 | Frankie Muniz |
19 | 34 | Layne Riggs |
20 | 38 | Chandler Smith |
21 | 42 | Matt Mills |
22 | 44 | Conner Jones |
23 | 45 | Kaden Honeycutt |
24 | 52 | Stewart Friesen |
25 | 66 | Luke Baldwin |
26 | 69 | Tyler Tomassi |
27 | 71 | Rajah Caruth |
28 | 76 | Spencer Boyd |
29 | 77 | Andres Perez De Lara |
30 | 81 | Connor Mosack |
31 | 88 | Matt Crafton |
32 | 91 | Jack Wood |
33 | 98 | Ty Majeski |
34 | 99 | Ben Rhodes |
On the other end of the spectrum, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing brings its usual strength with Tyler Ankrum, Daniel Hemric, Connor Mosack, and Jack Wood—a mix of veterans and younger talent aiming to make a playoff push.
Championship Stakes and Race Outlook at the Tricky Triangle
As the season approaches its summer stretch, the Craftsman Truck Series Playoff picture begins to solidify. Friesen’s win added another shakeup to the bubble, and Pocono’s race could further alter the playoff path. Expect strong runs from Corey Heim, who continues to lead the points standings, and Ty Majeski, a model of consistency with ThorSport Racing.
Ty Majeski and Ben Rhodes, both from ThorSport, will also be drivers to watch. Majeski’s surgical driving style fits Pocono’s precision-based rhythm, while Rhodes, the 2021 series champion, thrives on restarts—an essential element at this 2.5-mile track where clean air is king.
Connor Mosack and Rajah Caruth are also worth tracking. Both drivers are in position to make late-season playoff runs, and a strong finish at Pocono could build momentum heading into the short-track-heavy second half of the year.
The race’s 200-mile length (80 laps) often sets up a two- or three-stop strategy depending on cautions. Teams will need to balance fuel mileage with tire management, as Pocono’s corners—especially Turn 3—punish trucks that fall out of rhythm.
News In Brief: Entry List Set for MillerTech Battery 200
The MillerTech Battery 200 entry list brings a healthy mix of experience, developing talent, and returning contenders to Pocono Raceway. With 34 trucks locked into the race, no teams will be sent home, but the stakes remain high—particularly for drivers near the playoff cut line and those making limited starts this season.
As Stewart Friesen looks to make it two in a row, others like Corey Heim, Ty Majeski, and Brandon Jones aim to solidify their championship paths or make their mark in one-off appearances. Throw in the unpredictability of Pocono’s layout, and Friday’s race should be another thrilling chapter in the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series season.
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