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Todd Gilliland Runs Out Of Fuel On The Final Lap, Justin Haley Cruises To Texas Victory

by Hunter Thomas November 3, 2018 0 comments

FORT WORTH, Tex. – Todd Gilliland was half a lap away from his first-career victory in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, when he ran out of fuel, and Justin Haley cruised by to win the JAG Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway.

While traveling down the backstretch for the final time on Friday night, Gilliland ran out of gas after leading a race high of 60 laps. As Gilliland slowed, Haley passed by to claim his third victory of the season, punching his ticket to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Haley will join his GMS Racing teammate, Johnny Sauter in the championship hunt.

“That was amazing,” Haley said in Victory Lane. “Everyone at GMS, GMS Fabrication gave me a great truck. I thought we had a loss there. I didn’t quite maximize my pit road, and God stuck with me, kept my faith behind me.”

Haley continued and said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To get two Chevrolets, me and Johnny back-to-back to Miami, that’s what we want, and we’re going to have a 50 percent chance odd of winning it.”

Ben Rhodes finished second, and NASCAR Playoff contender, Brett Moffitt finished third.

“I guess we had too much right-front shock on it and on the pit stops, the right front wheel wouldn’t drop out and we lost a lot of track position and this race was all about track position,” Moffitt said. “That cost us a lot in the long run, but we salvaged a decent finish and hopefully a good points night.”

Although he ran out of gas, Gilliland was able to limp his Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 4 JBL/SiriusXM Toyota to a fourth-place finish, his fourth top-five of the season.

“I have no idea how we were on fuel,” Gilliland said. “I thought we were good. I am very disappointed but very proud at the same time. My team gave me a great truck and I wrecked in qualifying. We were still able to come out here and contend for a win. We win and lose as a team. I made a mistake and we ran out of gas. It is what it is. I am so proud of everyone at Kyle Busch Motorsports.”

Austin Hill finished fifth, followed by Harrison Burton, Jesse Little, Stewart Friesen and NASCAR Playoff competitors, Matt Crafton and Noah Gragson.

With just one more race remaining before the season finale, there are two spots still open to complete the Championship 4. Johnny Sauter and Justin Haley are locked in with their wins. Sitting third is Brett Moffitt, 22 points ahead of the cutline. Noah Gragson is currently fourth, 18 points to the good. Grant Enfinger (-18) is fifth, and Matt Crafton (-23) is sixth.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return to action on Friday, November 9 at ISM Raceway. Live coverage of the Lucas Oil 150 will broadcast on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and the Motor Racing Network (MRN) at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

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