The NASCAR Truck Series qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway produced dramatic changes for the championship finale, as an inspection penalty altered the expected starting order. The event, critical for drivers vying for the title, took place in Phoenix, Arizona as the 2025 season concludes with high stakes and intense competition.
NASCAR Truck Series qualifying was expected to see Layne Riggs in the lead after posting the fastest lap at 26.707 seconds. However, an inspection issue meant Riggs will start at the back, shifting the dynamics for the entire field and affecting the outcome for both drivers and teams. The shift elevates Chandler Smith, who originally qualified second, to the front of the grid. This change enhances the spotlight on championship contenders, including Kaden Honeycutt and Tyler Ankrum, as they seek advantage on the Phoenix circuit.
Adjustment After Inspection and Revised Phoenix Starting Lineup
After Layne Riggs’ car failed inspection, NASCAR mandated that he relinquish the pole position, which was instead awarded to Chandler Smith based on Smith’s second-best qualifying time of 26.724 seconds. The remaining top starters in order are Brent Crews, Tanner Gray, and Kaden Honeycutt, all close in time and ready to challenge for early race control. This switch at the front row is expected to intensify the battle for the lead laps and overall strategy between teams, including those fielding Corey Heim and Ty Majeski.
The atmosphere at Phoenix Raceway is charged, as the Truck Series finale always carries extra significance, especially for those drivers targeting the season championship. The loss of pole position for Riggs due to technical oversight serves as a reminder that every detail counts in high-level NASCAR competition.
NASCAR Truck Series: Official Starting Grid for Phoenix Finale
Below is the official starting lineup, with Chandler Smith now leading the field:
1. Layne Riggs – 26.707 (starts at rear)
2. Chandler Smith – 26.724
3. Brent Crews – 26.739
4. Tanner Gray – 26.742
5. Kaden Honeycutt – 26.746
6. Corey Heim – 26.770
7. Rajah Caruth – 26.850
8. Ty Majeski – 26.878
9. Gio Ruggiero – 26.895
10. Ben Rhodes – 26.957
11. Stefan Parsons – 27.000
12. Corey LaJoie – 27.002
13. Tyler Reif – 27.004
14. Jake Garcia – 27.038
15. Jack Wood – 27.047
16. Brad Perez – 27.054
17. Bayley Currey – 27.059
18. Cole Butcher – 27.066
19. Daniel Hemric – 27.072
20. Connor Mosack – 27.084
21. Tyler Ankrum – 27.121
22. Dawson Sutton – 27.159
23. Grant Enfinger – 27.166
24. Luke Baldwin – 27.184
25. Matt Crafton – 27.500
26. Toni Breidinger – 27.552
27. Spencer Boyd – 27.601
28. Frankie Muniz – 27.627
29. Spencer Boyd – 27.783
30. Clayton Green – 28.024
31. Greg Van Alst – 28.607
32. Mason Maggio – 28.632
33. Caleb Costner – No Time
34. Matt Mills – No Time
Several prominent competitors line the grid, with championship hopefuls positioned strongly.
Four Drivers Target the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series Title
The spotlight is particularly intense on the four drivers contending for the season championship: Corey Heim, Ty Majeski, Tyler Ankrum, and Kaden Honeycutt. Their performance in qualifying sets up a high-stakes showdown, with placement on the grid providing crucial track position. The pressure at Phoenix Raceway, especially in a finale, means every qualifying lap and starting spot could influence the crowning of the next NASCAR Truck Series champion.
Championship Finale Promises High Drama in Arizona
The unexpected shift in the NASCAR Truck Series qualifying order has heightened anticipation for the season’s last race. With Layne Riggs starting at the back, Chandler Smith now at the front, and four drivers battling for the championship, the Phoenix race is set to deliver intense action for fans and teams alike. The outcome of tonight’s showdown will decide not just the winner at Phoenix Raceway, but the driver who will be remembered as the 2025 series champion.
