Front Row Motorsports is gearing up for the pivotal Talladega race as their drivers look to secure playoff positions in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. With the Front Row Motorsports Talladega race just around the corner, the team is focused on overcoming challenges and making every lap count in an intensely competitive playoff environment.
Layne Riggs Prepared for Talladega Challenge
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to Talladega Superspeedway this Friday for a critical event in the Round of 8, where every point carries massive weight. Layne Riggs currently stands fifth in the playoffs, only one point shy of advancing, following a demanding outing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Although this marks just his second time racing at Talladega’s iconic 2.66-mile track, Riggs has already built a reputation as a trustworthy drafting partner, with strong showings earlier in the season at Daytona and Atlanta.
The No. 34 Ford F-150, once again sponsored by Love’s RV STOP, will be on the grid, and all fans are encouraged to make use of the Love’s Connect App for discounts at the pump and special mobile perks, adding an extra element of excitement to the weekend. The partnership extends further as PEAK Performance joins to promote their automotive products, which are available at over 600 Love’s Travel Stops across the country. PEAK’s range includes products like PEAK Global Antifreeze, Final Charge, PEAK Windshield Wash, and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid, supplying truck teams and fans with reliable options on the road.
“This is only my second start at Talladega, but I feel much more prepared this time around. Falling below the cutline after the Roval means we have to make the most of every opportunity—earning stage points and, at the very least, finishing inside the top-10 to get ourselves back above it. The key to these superspeedway races is just being smart and being prepared for anything. I know we can do that. It’s awesome to have Love’s RV Stop on board for their entitlement race. It would be awesome if the Love’s RV Stop Ford F-150 won the Love’s RV Stop 225. Hopefully I can make it happen.”
—Layne Riggs, Driver
Chandler Smith Eyes Another Top Finish at Talladega
Chandler Smith will take on Talladega for the fifth time in his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series career this Friday, bringing plenty of superspeedway experience to the high-stakes event. In his previous four races at Talladega, Smith claimed two top-five results—a third place in 2020 and a fourth place in 2023—highlighting his ability to navigate the notoriously unpredictable track. Additionally, Smith has raced four times at Talladega in the Xfinity Series, recording a career-best fifth-place finish in the most recent fall event with Joe Gibbs Racing.
The No. 38 team welcomes long-time partner Wheelers for the upcoming 85-lap race. For more than seventy years, Wheelers has supplied wood trusses for homes across the Southeast, continuing a family legacy that began with “Papa Tom” Manis, a saw-miller in the 1920s. Wheeler Manis further grew this tradition, establishing Rome Builders Supply in 1949 and expanding operations over four generations. Today, Wheelers remains a cornerstone resource for builders and craftsmen, underlining their commitment to quality and reliability in every project.
“Talladega is always a gamble, it’s not one of those races where the fastest truck wins. While it’s not a ‘normal’ track, I’m excited to get back to oval racing after the Roval. Layne (Riggs) and I made great drafting partners earlier this season at Daytona and Atlanta, so we have the same plan for this weekend. Hopefully, we can miss the chaos and bring home a win.”
—Chandler Smith, Driver
Playoff Pressure Builds as Talladega Looms
With the Talladega race pivotal in the fight for playoff advancement, both Layne Riggs and Chandler Smith carry hopes not only for personal glory but for furthering Front Row Motorsports’ playoff ambitions. The duo will rely on their drafting partnership—a skill honed at tracks like Daytona and Atlanta—to navigate the unpredictable scenarios that Talladega is known for. Support from sponsors such as Love’s Travel Stops, Wheelers, and PEAK demonstrates the strong backing FRM enjoys as the pressure intensifies.
As the green flag drops on one of NASCAR’s most influential superspeedway races, all eyes will be on Front Row Motorsports and its determined drivers. Success at the Talladega Superspeedway could define the trajectory of their playoff journey, reinforcing the team’s reputation for determination and teamwork amidst the unpredictable drama that only Talladega can offer.
