The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs are heating up after Darlington, where the first of three rounds set the tone for the seven-race championship chase. Ten drivers entered the postseason, but only eight will advance beyond the opening round.
Corey Heim, piloting the No. 11 Toyota, holds the top spot without the benefit of a playoff win yet, showing how consistency remains just as valuable as victories. Behind him, Layne Riggs (+38), Daniel Hemric (+33), and Grant Enfinger (+30) have built healthy cushions. Tyler Ankrum (+22) and Ty Majeski (+16) are also comfortably positioned heading into the next races.
NASCAR Truck Series Playoffs After Darlington
Playoff Drivers (Above Cutoff)
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | Corey Heim | Toyota | Winner |
| 2 | 34 | Layne Riggs | Ford | +38 |
| 3 | 19 | Daniel Hemric | Chevrolet | +33 |
| 4 | 9 | Grant Enfinger | Chevrolet | +30 |
| 5 | 18 | Tyler Ankrum | Chevrolet | +22 |
| 6 | 98 | Ty Majeski | Ford | +16 |
| 7 | 71 | Rajah Caruth | Chevrolet | +4 |
| 8 | 13 | Jake Garcia | Ford | +2 |
The real battle lies around the cutoff. Rajah Caruth sits just +4, and Jake Garcia only +2, making every stage point crucial. On the outside looking in, Chandler Smith is a narrow -2 back, while Kaden Honeycutt trails by -7. Both will need near-perfect performances to claw into contention.
Drivers Below Cutoff
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 38 | Chandler Smith | Ford | -2 |
| 10 | 52 | Kaden Honeycutt | Toyota | -7 |
With two eliminations looming after this round, pressure is mounting. Every lap, pit call, and restart could decide who advances and who sees their championship hopes dashed. The Trucks always deliver high-stakes drama, and this year’s playoff fight is shaping up to be one of the closest yet.
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