Racing at drafting style tracks in NASCAR are more about being in the right place at the right time, along with having a fast car. The driver that leads the most laps doesn’t always mean they end up celebrating with the trophy in victory lane.
In Saturday’s (Feb. 21) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at EchoPark Speedway, Ben Rhodes was the class of the field, leading a race-high 70 of 125 laps ran, after NASCAR’s adverse weather policy ended the race short following a delay due to rain earlier in the day.
As the field approached the last lap of stage two, Rhodes’ No. 99 ThorSport Racing truck abruptly slowed on the backstretch, his truck out of fuel. As a result, Rhodes fell from the lead pack and lost out on stage points, losing a lap in the process.
It would take a miracle for Rhodes to have any chance at making a comeback with such a dominant truck. He would get his wish about 20 laps later.
Rhodes’ entire race turned around following a crash on lap 100 involving ThorSport teammate Cole Butcher and Dawson Sutton, allowing Rhodes to earn the free pass and an outside chance at rallying back through the field.
After restarting mid-pack, Rhodes turned up the wick inside the wheel of his Ford and made a furious charge through the field to get within striking distance of the leaders. Unfortunately, time was not on his side, as Rhodes’ incredible comeback came up just short with a fourth-place finish.
In speaking with members of the media post-race, Rhodes said he “didn’t expect it at all, and you can’t save anything while leading” after running out of fuel cost him stage points.
Despite his comeback falling short of a return to victory lane that would’ve snapped a losing streak going back to 2023, the two-time Truck Series champion says there is a lot his team can take from a strong top five performance and was very proud of the fast truck his team prepared.
“I think it speaks volumes of the team, especially here”, Rhodes said. “You have no practice, the speed is made at the race shop, we showed up we had great speed, kudos to the guys.
“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.”
Race winner Kyle Busch caught Rhodes’ attention as the two-time Cup Series champion and now 68-time Truck Series winner was able to control both lanes upon taking the lead late.
“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.”
Rhodes will look to rebound from a race win that got away from him at Atlanta as the Truck Series heads to St. Petersburg for the first street course race in Truck Series history.
