The 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season roared to life at Daytona International Speedway, drawing a field so deep that seven trucks failed to qualify, alongside a return from RAM and notable appearances from Tony Stewart, Travis Pastrana, and Cleetus McFarland. The event saw Chandler Smith claim a dramatic Daytona Truck win in overtime, capping off an action-filled night in Florida.
Early Qualifying Drama and Sizable Lineup
Ty Majeski grabbed the pole position after moving to the No. 88 truck, narrowly outpacing Daytona 500 champion Michael McDowell. Cleetus McFarland started from the 12th spot, edging his teammate Travis Pastrana who lined up 13th, while Tony Stewart qualified highest among the RAM entries in 15th.
Cleetus McFarland’s Race Ends Abruptly
The race’s intensity was evident from the outset. Only five laps into the contest, Cleetus McFarland lost control coming out of turn four, colliding with the inside wall before sliding through the infield and ending his stint early.
“I just did not check myself before I wrecked myself right there. Coming out of four, I was flying, and I put too much wheel in it because I was getting a little tight, and because we’re freaking three‑wide on the second lap.”
– McFarland
Reflecting further on the incident, he added,
“I was a little tight, and I was just trying not to hit the guy on the outside. Came off four, flattened out, truck sat down, and I think I had too much wheel in it. I just started getting loose. I went right towards the field and I’m like, damn, I’m out.”
– McFarland
Carson Hocevar and Tony Stewart Face Mid-Race Challenges
Despite the chaos, Carson Hocevar claimed the opening stage victory ahead of Tanner Gray, Eckes, Michael McDowell, and Nemechek. Trouble struck in stage two when Hocevar’s truck suddenly shut off, forcing him from the front to 25th, just as Garcia spun after overcorrecting off turn four, collecting Tony Stewart close to the stage’s conclusion.
Stewart’s night was cut short after multiple repairs and a visit to the garage, marking a disappointing end to his anticipated return paired with RAM.
“We just didn’t know what we were gonna have balance‑wise, and it felt a little free at the beginning. First change really didn’t move the needle, so they tried wedge instead of track bar and air, and it started responding to us. We probably needed to make that same change again”
– Stewart
Stewart spoke about his NASCAR comeback, saying,
“I didn’t think I was going to be here 10 years after I retired, so I think we have to learn to never say never. But yeah, it’s a great opportunity.”
– Stewart
Stage Two Closes Under Caution with Smith in Front
Another caution was triggered when Hocevar started losing positions rapidly due to a flat tire, prompting a spin. Chandler Smith captured the second stage win under yellow, leading Riggs, Majeski, Tay. Gray, and McDowell across the line.
Late Race Lead Swaps and NASCAR Overtime
Haley seized control on lap 62, guiding RAM to its first laps led in the series since 2014. The tension escalated in the final laps as Haley, McDowell, and Eckes exchanged the lead positions. An incident involving Sutton, Tanner Gray, and Boyd in turn four stacked the field with just five laps to go, and a hard push from Majeski to Gray led to the sixth caution, setting up overtime.
Dramatic Overtime Finish Crowns Chandler Smith
On the pivotal white flag lap, McDowell broke loose exiting turn four but managed to reach pit road as the race continued at full pace into a chaotic finish. Chandler Smith, running in fifth off the final corner, surged with Ty Majeski on his bumper, slicing through the four-wide scramble to edge Ruggiero by just 0.044 seconds. Eckes finished mere thousandths behind, with Majeski and Nemechek rounding out the top five in this unforgettable Daytona conclusion.
“Ty Majeski, one of my best four teammates I’ve ever worked with. He is all credit to how we just won that race truthfully. He stayed committed to a Ford and pushed a blue oval to a win. Have some people back at home that’s struggling a little bit. Rory Smith, buddy, I know we talked about maybe making it to the Daytona 500, but hopefully this does a little better justice for you.”
– Smith
“I was surprised the 62 didn’t block it. I was just — the seas literally just parted, and the 88 stayed committed to me, and like I said, thank you, thank you, thank you, Ty Majeski. Definitely got to owe you one on that one.”
– Smith
Next Stop: Echopark Speedway as Season Momentum Builds
Following an overtime Daytona Truck win marked by fierce competition and emotional highs and lows, Chandler Smith takes the early spotlight in the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The action moves to Echopark Speedway next Saturday, February 21st, at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1, as drivers and teams look to build on a gripping season opener and chase early championship momentum.
