Ben Rhodes saw his hopes of victory slip away in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta after dominating much of the event on February 21. Despite leading the most laps, Rhodes’ aspirations were derailed by a late-race fuel mishap, a setback that ultimately cost him a podium finish in the dramatic Ben Rhodes NASCAR Atlanta race.
Rhodes Sets the Pace Early, But Faces Unexpected Challenge
The Atlanta race, known for its unique drafting demands, often rewards timing and positioning as much as outright speed. Rhodes wasted no time establishing himself as a frontrunner, piloting his No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford at the head of the pack for a commanding 70 of the 125 scheduled laps. However, as the field closed on the end of the second stage, disaster struck: Rhodes’ truck slowed suddenly on the backstretch, having exhausted its fuel supply, which dropped him from the lead and cost him crucial stage points and even a lap to the field.
“Ben Rhodes out of gas! Stewart Friesen wins after a dramatic finish to Stage 2 in Atlanta. 😳 Stage 1: Corey HeimStage 2: Stewart Friesen!”
— NASCAR ON FOX
A Timely Caution Keeps Rhodes in the Hunt
Even as the odds seemed stacked against him, a well-timed crash involving Rhodes’ ThorSport teammate Cole Butcher and Dawson Sutton on lap 100 opened a door. The ensuing caution allowed Rhodes to benefit from the free pass, putting him back on the lead lap and giving him a sliver of hope heading into the final stretch of the race. Though he had led more laps than in all but three previous races, the earlier fuel issue had left him with work to do.
“Rhodes led 70 laps prior to running out of fuel right before the stage 2 end. That’s the 4th most laps he’s ever led in a race. What could’ve been one of his most dominant days might’ve just gotten away from him.#NASCAR”
— Michael Massie
Furious Comeback Effort Falls Just Short
With a resilient drive, Rhodes restarted mid-pack and began to carve his way through the field, aiming to capitalize on the speed his truck had displayed all day. His run saw him gain position rapidly, but the laps wound down faster than his progress through the leaders, leaving him to settle for fourth place at the checkered flag. Reflecting afterward, Rhodes explained his unexpected misfortune with fuel strategy.
“didn’t expect it at all, and you can’t save anything while leading”
— Ben Rhodes, Driver
Praise for the Team and Lessons for the Future
Though disappointed at being denied the win and a potential end to his victory drought dating back to 2023, Rhodes was quick to credit his ThorSport Racing crew for providing a fast truck straight off the trailer, especially in a session without practice time. He pointed to his team’s preparation at the race shop as a reason for their performance and highlighted aspects to improve with the truck’s new intermediate body style.
“I think it speaks volumes of the team, especially here”
— Ben Rhodes, Driver
“The truck was really solid, this is my first race with this new intermediate style body, Rhodes said. We got some handling things we can work on with that and can be a little more aggressive.”
— Ben Rhodes, Driver
Kyle Busch Claims Victory, While Rhodes Looks Ahead
Rhodes was not the only driver to make headlines, as two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch maintained control late in the event, working both lines in the final moments to claim his third consecutive Truck Series win at Atlanta and the 68th of his career. Rhodes acknowledged Busch’s strategic driving and the challenge it posed for those trying to pass.
“Unless you can clear them and hold them, you’re a bit of a sitting duck. Kyle was really good about managing that run and doing that move. I knew that’s what he was going to do and was trying to just ride behind him and didn’t expect the bottom to form back up.”
— Ben Rhodes, Driver
What’s Next for Rhodes and the Truck Series
The Ben Rhodes NASCAR Atlanta race closes another chapter in a competitive Craftsman Truck Series campaign, setting up anticipation as Rhodes and his team set their sights on the upcoming event at St. Petersburg. This next race marks the series’ first ever street course, offering both a new challenge and a potential fresh start for Rhodes and the rest of the field as they seek their next visit to victory lane.
Ben Rhodes out of gas! Stewart Friesen wins after a dramatic finish to Stage 2 in Atlanta. 😳
Stage 1: Corey Heim
Stage 2: Stewart Friesen! https://t.co/cPrUiwyjQ4 pic.twitter.com/UV5by9AsqD— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 21, 2026
Rhodes led 70 laps prior to running out of fuel right before the stage 2 end. That's the 4th most laps he's ever led in a race. What could've been one of his most dominant days might've just gotten away from him.#NASCAR https://t.co/j9tIZzdGeB
— Michael Massie (@m_massie22) February 21, 2026
