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Chandler Smith Dominates To Win Consecutive North Wilkesboro Truck Races

by racerx55 July 18, 2026 0 comments

By Matthew Thomerson/TheFourthTurn.com

NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – Chandler Smith was in control when it mattered most, dominating to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the second straight year.

Smith, who is third in the standings in his second season driving the Front Row Motorsports No. 38 Ford, made it look easy after starting in ninth in Saturday’s FaithFest 250 presented by Mercer Transporation. By lap 100, Smith was running inside the top-five, just looking for the right time to pounce. Starting on the front row for the final stage, the Georgia-born driver extended his lead quickly and crossed the finish line over eight seconds in front of his teammate Layne Riggs in second.

For Smith, this is a big victory in many ways. It’s the first time since the season-opener at Daytona that Smith has ended up in Victory Lane, and it keeps him solidly inside the top-three in the series standings, 31 points up on fourth. 

“It looked very similar to last year,” Smith said. “But last year, I mean, we were really good speed-wise, but I wasn’t very happy with my truck this year. We were really good speed-wise, but also I had a really good handling race truck, so great job to everybody on the number 38 team, coming back year two, getting the thing down back in and making it a little better than it was last year.”   

Finishing runner-up was Riggs, who has shown contending pace in nearly every race this season. His series-leading four wins looked to become five as he started on pole and led 25 laps, including a Stage 1 victory. Ultimately, Riggs was not able to cut into his teammate’s lead in the end, but still increased his points lead to 59 over Kaden Honeycutt.

“We just didn’t have the fire off speed at the beginning of the run to hold my track position,” Riggs said.  “But to come under green up to second, I’m very happy and very proud of my team. We got Infinity Communications a good run. I wanted to get them a win, but I’m just happy for this whole organization. Those guys deserve it. They did a great job today.” 

Finishing third in a bit of a surprise was NASCAR Cup Series star Shane van Gisbergen for Spire Motorsports. Van Gisbergen was back in a truck for the first time since Charlotte in May and ran an impressive race. Starting 19th, the New Zealander methodically made his way up through the field, showing great long-run pace. Ultimately, a third is a finish van Gisbergen will definitely take. 

“Yeah, it’s just time; getting to drive for good teams and good equipment makes it really fun,” van Gisbergen said. “Yeah, thank you to Spire (Motorsports); hopefully get to do it again.” 

Finishing fourth was Christian Eckes, and Landen Lewis rounded out the top-five. Gio Ruggiero finished sixth, Chase Elliott seventh, Stewart Friesen eighth, Corey Heim ninth, and Stage 2 winner Ty Majeski 10th. 

The race totaled four cautions for 34 laps. There were seven lead changes among six different leaders. The race featured a star-studded lineup of drivers, including the return of former truck winner Ryan Newman in the RAM Truck for Kaulig Racing. 

Up next for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Friday, July 24. Coverage of the TSPORT 200 will be on FS1 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. 

Photo Credit: Patricia McCormack/TheFourthTurn.com