Ben Rhodes may not have claimed victory in the race at Phoenix Raceway, but he secured his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with a solid fifth-place finish. The Kentucky native is known for his celebratory press conferences, and this occasion promises to be no different. Rhodes knows how to savor a job well done.
In addition to his second Truck Series championship, Rhodes and his wife have another reason to celebrate they are expecting their second child. There’s a lot on the Rhodes family’s plate for celebration.
The NASCAR championship race at Phoenix Raceway took an unexpected turn with Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar engaging in on-track disputes. Their actions led to not one, not two, not three, but four overtime sessions. These drivers were determined to maintain their positions without making pit stops, resulting in worn-out tires, multiple restarts, grip loss, and even some wrecks. Some drivers, like Zane Smith, struggled with missed shifts.
Despite the chaos and some minor damage sustained during the multiple overtime periods, Ben Rhodes managed to hold off Grant Enfinger for the victory. They crossed the finish line in fifth and sixth place, respectively.
Ben Rhodes has now clinched his second championship in three years. He previously won the title in 2021, finished as the runner-up to Zane Smith in 2022, and has now reclaimed the series championship in 2023. It has been a rollercoaster year for Rhodes and his team, with their performance fluctuating throughout the season.
In the final weeks of the season, Rhodes elevated his game, finishing seventh at Bristol, second at Talladega, and second at Homestead. These strong finishes culminated in another championship victory. He joins an exclusive group of drivers as the fifth ever to win multiple Truck Series championships.
Despite having fresher tires and enduring multiple restarts, Grant Enfinger couldn’t catch up to Rhodes. The race took a dramatic turn when Carson Hocevar spun out Corey Heim, setting off a chain of events that made the race intense. Initially, it appeared Heim would dominate, but the race eventually boiled down to a battle between Ben Rhodes and Grant Enfinger.
The race’s numerous wrecks and restarts disappointed many drivers and NASCAR figures. Tyler Reddick had strong words for Hocevar, and Heim sought revenge with another wreck, further fueling the controversy.
During these numerous restarts, Grant Enfinger made a daring move by getting four fresh tires on a pit stop. This decision allowed him to make a late charge with the freshest rubber on the track. After four restarts to conclude the race, an exciting finish unfolded.
In the end, Ben emerged as a two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, marking an unforgettable night in the world of NASCAR.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is Ben Rhodes doing now?
Following his departure from the Obama administration, Rhodes transitioned into a role as a commentator. He lent his insights to various media outlets, including Crooked Media, NBC News, and MSNBC. In 2018, he co-founded National Security Action, further solidifying his commitment to shaping the conversation around critical issues.
Where did Ben Rhodes go to college?
Piloting the No. 99 in the series is Ben Rhodes, a two-time NASCAR Truck Series Champion (2023, 2021) and the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) champion. He also earned the titles of Rookie of the Year and Most Popular driver during his time in the NKNPSE. With his impressive track record, Rhodes is a force to be reckoned with on the NASCAR circuit.
Who is Ben Rhodes Nascar driver?
Rhodes’ personal life is closely tied to his parents, Lori and Joe Rhodes, who are his loving and supportive family.
