Niece Motorsports continued their strong Truck Series run at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Andrés Pérez de Lara, and rookie Tyler Reif put on a show filled with determination and intensity. The team maintained impressive momentum, with Stenhouse Jr. breaking into the top 10 for a second consecutive race — a key highlight in this Niece Motorsports race recap.
Tyler Reif Gains Valuable Experience in Atlanta Debut
Tyler Reif, piloting the No. 42 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST, began his second race of the season with a steep learning curve. Starting 27th on his first mile-and-a-half track, Reif focused on gaining insight into aerodynamics and the challenges of Truck Series racing. Reif kept his truck free from damage, steadily advanced positions, and ultimately crossed the finish line in 17th place. This performance reflected a solid step forward as he moved up through the pack during the time-shortened event.
“I learned a ton out there today. If I could go back and change the start of the race, I would because I think that losing the pack in stage one was definitely not the right thing to do. I just wanted to keep the truck clean and bring it home in one piece so I could put something in my notebook for when we come back next year. There’s not a scratch on our Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevy and I’m happy with that. I’m looking forward to racing here again next time, but am really excited to go to St. Pete next week and hopefully run a little closer to the front.”
— Tyler Reif, Driver
The AutoVentive team, a leader in software solutions for automotive logistics under Liberty Hill Equity Partners, worked with Reif to ensure a smooth race. Precision Vehicle Logistics, known for its customer-centered approach to finished vehicle logistics, supported the effort by facilitating a well-prepared entry that enabled Reif’s steady progression through the field.
Andrés Pérez de Lara Posts Strong Effort in No. 44 Truck
Starting ninth, Andrés Pérez de Lara and the No. 44 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet Silverado RST quickly broke into the top five during stage one. The Acceptance Insurance pit crew executed the fastest four-tire stop of the day, putting Pérez de Lara in prime position for a solid result. Though he slipped back in the closing laps, the young driver finished 15th and collected valuable stage points, strengthening his place in the standings.
“We had a really strong race today. I feel like I made some of the right moves and that helped us stay up front for the whole race. I just wish we could have executed better overall to finish higher, but I’m happy with the result. We got stage points to help us out, and we’re continuing to build on our momentum on the No. 44 team. Huge thanks to everyone at Acceptance Insurance, Team Chevy, and Niece Motorsports for their support; I’m looking forward to St. Pete next weekend.”
— Andrés Pérez de Lara, Driver
As part of Confie, Acceptance Insurance has spent over 50 years serving communities by providing affordable coverage and easy solutions, helping drivers from all walks of life feel secure on and off the track. Their ongoing commitment to excellence and responsibility was evident in the well-coordinated pit stops and overall performance of Pérez de Lara’s crew at Atlanta.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Fights for Victory, Secures Top-10 in the No. 45
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving the No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST, started the race in the fifth spot, maintaining a strong position through every caution and restart. Methodical yet aggressive driving kept Stenhouse Jr. in contention, and with just a handful of laps remaining, he seized the lead and looked poised for a win. However, lacking help in the draft late in the race left him exposed, resulting in a ninth-place finish — still good enough for the team’s second straight top-10.
“I really wish we had the No. 99 (Ben Rhodes) stay with us there at the finish. Him and I were working really well together towards the end of the race, but he bailed and went to the top. I think if he kept pushing, we could have cleared the No. 7 (Kyle Busch), or at least beat him to the line. So, that was a bummer being a sitting duck down the backstretch, but Phil Gould, Cody Efaw, and all these guys on the No. 45 team gave me a really good J.F. Electric Chevy. I’m bummed that we didn’t get it done, but I felt like we’ve had two strong races so far and I had a lot of fun. That was a blast.”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
The coordinated efforts of Crew Chief Phil Gould and the entire J.F. Electric team contributed to Stenhouse Jr.’s confidence and ability to run up front. The support from teammates and crew, including Cody Efaw, ensured the No. 45 truck was competitive throughout, capping off a day filled with high speed and strategy against tough competitors such as Kyle Busch and Ben Rhodes.
Momentum Builds as the Series Heads to St. Pete
The latest chapter in the Niece Motorsports race recap spotlights a team surging with energy and positive results. All three drivers brought home clean trucks, collected crucial points, and learned valuable lessons on the demanding Atlanta circuit. The impressive showing from the pit crews, steadfast backing from sponsor organizations like AutoVentive, Precision Vehicle Logistics, and Acceptance Insurance, and strong driver teamwork give Niece Motorsports plenty to celebrate — and plenty to build upon.
With Stenhouse Jr. and his team notching consecutive top-10 finishes, Pérez de Lara securing stage points toward the championship, and rookie Reif showing steady improvement, Niece Motorsports enters the next event at St. Petersburg with momentum and confidence. The team’s adaptability, passion, and support for its drivers promise even more excitement as the season unfolds.
