Layne Riggs and Front Row Motorsports have run into significant trouble as they approach the Phoenix Raceway finale, with NASCAR penalties jeopardizing their shot at the owner’s championship. The Layne Riggs NASCAR penalties stem from a technical infraction detected before the crucial Truck Series race weekend.
NASCAR Issues Penalties for Technical Violation
NASCAR officials discovered that the No. 34 Ford truck, driven by Layne Riggs for Front Row Motorsports, had a non-compliant modification. NASCAR reported the team had
“added a panel to the oil that closes off the area between it and the floorboard, which is not permitted.”
The additional panel violated regulations, prompting immediate disciplinary actions.
Consequences for Riggs and the Team
As a result of the infraction, Layne Riggs has been ordered to begin the NASCAR Truck Series finale at the Phoenix Raceway from the rear of the field. While he still must participate in qualifying, he will have to serve a pass-through penalty once the race is underway. This means that after the green flag drops, Riggs will be forced to drive through pit road, potentially putting himself a lap behind and severely impacting his competitiveness.
The penalties have further impacted Front Row Motorsports’ campaign, as crew chief Dylan Cappello has been ejected from the event and will not be allowed to participate for the rest of the race weekend. This absence could complicate strategic decisions for the team during the championship decider.
Owner’s Championship Battles Intensify
Front Row Motorsports is fighting hard for the owner’s title, facing strong competition from the No. 11 Tricon Toyota, piloted by Corey Heim; the No. 52 Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota, driven by Kaden Honeycutt; and the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford, which Ty Majeski will be driving. Each of these teams has remained compliant, intensifying the challenge for FRM as they deal with their penalties.
Winning from a disadvantageous starting position is a daunting task in Phoenix. Notably, no previous winner of the Phoenix Truck race has ever started further back than 16th position, highlighting the steep odds Riggs and FRM now face due to the enforced penalties.
Looking Forward at Phoenix
These developments come just after Riggs’ personal title hopes ended in a tiebreaker in the prior weekend, adding disappointment to an already challenging situation for him and the team. With Layne Riggs and Front Row Motorsports beginning at the back and facing additional hurdles, their pursuit of the owner’s championship is now much tougher.
The penalties imposed on Riggs and his team may not only influence the championship outcome at Phoenix but could also have lasting effects on team morale and competitive strategies for Front Row Motorsports in future NASCAR Truck Series events.
