Layne Riggs, representing Front Row Motorsports, received the Breakout Driver of the Year award at the inaugural Grand National Bash on Sunday, December 14, at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, North Carolina. This accolade recognized his dramatic 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season and highlighted the importance of new talent in the sport, focusing on Friday and Saturday drivers, like Riggs, who compete outside of the Cup Series spotlight.
Riggs Claims Victory After Notable 2025 Truck Series Campaign
The Breakout Driver of the Year award celebrated Riggs’ achievements in his second Truck Series season, a year where he made significant progress for both himself and Front Row Motorsports. Throughout 2025, Riggs notched three race victories, earned 13 top-five finishes, and secured 16 top-ten results. Although Corey Heim captured more headlines with his 12 wins and championship title, Riggs distinguished himself as Heim’s main contender over the course of the season, driving the No. 34 Ford and helping to raise his team’s profile in one of NASCAR’s most competitive series.
Nominees for the Breakout Driver honor included several standout names from the sport’s lower divisions, such as ARCA champion Brenden Queen, Corey Day, Dean Thompson, Tyler Ankrum, and Jake Garcia. Riggs became a clear choice following the strong season, as highlighted by the structured selection process involving pundits, fellow drivers, team representatives, and agents.
Recognition at the Grand National Bash Ceremony
The Grand National Bash, founded by NASCAR Xfinity Series driver and team owner Tommy Joe Martins, was created to fill a long-standing recognition gap between the Cup Series and the lower NASCAR tiers. This event brought together drivers, crew members, and organizations across Friday and Saturday races, ensuring the contributions of teams like Front Row Motorsports and individuals such as Riggs were celebrated. At the ceremony, ChaLew Performance presented the awards, reinforcing the intention to spotlight talent beyond the premier Cup Series.
Layne Riggs’ sense of appreciation for the event was evident as he shared on social media:
“Thank you to @GrandBash for the Breakout Driver of The Year award and congratulations to @Team_FRM Breakout Organization of The Year! Very fun event to be a part of!”
—Layne Riggs, Driver
Winners Showcase NASCAR’s Depth of Talent
At the Grand National Bash, other emerging drivers also rose to prominence. Connor Zilisch and Kaden Honeycutt joined Riggs among key winners, underscoring the Bash’s mission of celebrating breakout performers and the evolving landscape of NASCAR’s competitive tiers. JR Motorsports was awarded Premier Organization of the Year after remarkable performances in the Xfinity Series, notably placing three drivers in the 2025 Championship 4.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Xfinity team and TRICON Garage’s No. 11 Truck team, led by Brandon Jones and Corey Heim respectively, claimed Pit Crew of the Year titles. Parker Retzlaff of Alpha Prime Racing was honored for Lap of the Year, narrowly missing the pole at Rockingham Speedway with a career-best second-place finish. Kaden Honeycutt took home the Affiliate Driver of the Year award, while major team honors also went to Halmar Friesen Racing’s No. 52 and Alpha Prime Racing’s No. 44, recognized as Affiliate and Independent Team of the Year, respectively.
Impact of the Bash and Looking Ahead
The launch of the Grand National Bash by Tommy Joe Martins marks a shift in how NASCAR’s broader field of talent is honored. By shining a spotlight on drivers like Layne Riggs, as well as organizations and pit crews across the truck and Xfinity series, the event brings overdue attention to the dedication and skill found beyond the Cup Series. The structured panel and focused celebration build momentum for emerging competitors and reinforce the role of Friday and Saturday races in shaping NASCAR’s future. As Riggs and his peers receive recognition for their efforts, the path for aspiring drivers becomes clearer, promising renewed energy and excitement for the upcoming seasons.
Thank you to @GrandBash for the Breakout Driver of The Year award and congratulations to @Team_FRM Breakout Organization of The Year! Very fun event to be a part of! pic.twitter.com/GpDRDxlyHB
— Layne Riggs 🇺🇸 (@LayneRiggs99) December 15, 2025
