Scheduled start: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona
TV/Radio: FS1 (or FS2 in some listings), MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
This is Race 22 of 25 in the 2026 season and a key event in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chase (Round of 8). It marks the series’ return to Phoenix as a playoff race rather than the championship finale (Homestead-Miami hosts the title race this year).
Track Details
Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile (1.609 km) low-banked tri-oval (often called a dogleg oval).
Distance: 150 laps / 150 miles (241.4 km).
Stages: 45 / 90 / 150.
Configuration: Distinctive dogleg on the backstretch that creates unique handling and passing opportunities. Turns 1-2 are relatively tight; Turns 3-4 open into the dogleg. Banking is progressive/low compared to intermediate tracks.
Pit road speed: typically 45 mph; fuel window around 70-80 laps depending on conditions.
Average race time historically runs near 2 hours.
Weather Conditions
Pre-race forecasts for Avondale/Phoenix on race day pointed to clear, warm, and dry conditions typical for mid-October in the Valley of the Sun. Afternoon/evening temperatures were expected in the low-to-mid 80s°F (around 28-30°C) with light-to-moderate winds (reports noted ~18 mph ENE at times). No significant precipitation was anticipated, favoring a green-flag race with standard tire strategies.
Starting Lineup / Key Drivers (from Qualifying)
Pole: Layne Riggs (#34 Front Row Motorsports Ford) – 27.039 seconds, 133.141 mph (his fifth pole of 2026 and second at Phoenix).
Front row: Kaden Honeycutt (#11 TRICON Garage Toyota).
Top 10 highlights: Chandler Smith (#38), Landen Lewis, Ben Rhodes (#99), Ty Majeski (#88), Tristan McKee, Tanner Gray, William Sawalich, Connor Mosack. Other Chase contenders started further back (e.g., Christian Eckes 13th, Grant Enfinger 15th, Gio Ruggiero 16th, Daniel Hemric 18th, Tyler Ankrum 21st).
Driver Matchups and Championship Context
The race is a pivotal points battle. Entering the event:
Kaden Honeycutt led the standings by 17 points over Layne Riggs. Honeycutt has been consistent (strong top-5/top-10 counts) and paced practice.
Layne Riggs is the season win leader (7 wins) with strong recent form, including a victory at Charlotte the prior week. He has Phoenix experience and claimed the pole.
Other strong contenders: Chandler Smith (consistent finisher), Christian Eckes, Ty Majeski, Ben Rhodes (ThorSport strength), and Grant Enfinger.
Key on-track battles expected: Riggs vs. Honeycutt for both the win and championship momentum; TRICON Garage Toyotas (Honeycutt, Gray, Sawalich) vs. Ford teams (Riggs, Rhodes, Majeski); and short-track specialists navigating the dogleg for restarts and late-race strategy. Phoenix rewards tire management, clean air, and strong short-run speed.
Recent Driver Forms
Layne Riggs: Dominant with multiple wins and poles; recent Charlotte victory tightened the points gap.
Kaden Honeycutt: Series points leader with high top-5/top-10 totals and practice pace.
Chandler Smith / Christian Eckes / Ty Majeski: Reliable playoff performers with strong short-track and intermediate results.
Supporting drivers like Ben Rhodes and Grant Enfinger have shown speed in practice/qualifying and historical Phoenix strength.
Practice saw Honeycutt fastest, followed closely by Rhodes and Majeski; Riggs was mid-pack but excelled in qualifying.
Race History at Phoenix
Phoenix has hosted dozens of Truck Series events. It traditionally features competitive racing with the dogleg enabling multi-groove action and late cautions often deciding outcomes. Past winners include strong short-track and playoff performers. In recent years the track has been a Chase venue; Corey Heim won the previous fall event in some historical notes. The 1-mile layout favors drivers who excel at tire conservation and restarts.
Betting Trends
Pre-race odds typically listed Layne Riggs as a co-favorite or slight favorite given his win total and pole, with Kaden Honeycutt and Chandler Smith also short-priced. Value plays often included Christian Eckes or Ty Majeski for top-5 finishes. Trends at Phoenix favor drivers with prior success on the 1-mile dogleg and strong qualifying. Stage points are critical in the Chase. Public betting frequently backs the points leaders and recent winners. Fuel and tire strategy (especially under green-flag runs) can create value for mid-pack starters who conserve equipment.
