Chandler Smith delivered when it mattered most, capturing the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory at Martinsville Speedway on Friday night. The Front Row Motorsports driver made a crucial move on a late restart to take control and secure the win in the Black’s Tire 200.
Driving the No. 38 Ford, Smith passed teammate Layne Riggs on the final restart and held on to claim another important victory in the 2026 season. Ben Rhodes finished second, while Riggs settled for third after leading much of the race’s late battle.
Smith Makes His Move
The closing laps provided the drama, with Smith taking advantage of his opportunity when the field lined up for the final restart. Riggs tried to protect the bottom lane, but Smith lined up to his outside and found the opening he needed to get past.
Once Smith moved ahead, he had the track position necessary to bring home the victory. The late pass proved decisive in a race where every position mattered.
Smith started third and gained two positions to reach Victory Lane. His win added another strong performance to a season in which he has remained a contender in the Truck Series.
Championship Battle Continues
While Smith celebrated the victory, the championship picture remained a major storyline at Martinsville. Riggs finished third after sweeping the opening two stages, helping him close the gap to points leader Kaden Honeycutt.
Honeycutt, however, lost valuable ground on the final restart and finished 14th. That result allowed Riggs to trim the points deficit to 20 heading into the final race of the season.
The result sets up a dramatic championship showdown, with every point potentially deciding who leaves the season as champion.
Smith Builds Momentum
Smith’s Martinsville victory gives him another reason to be confident as the season approaches its conclusion. His ability to capitalize on a late restart demonstrated the importance of execution under pressure.
With the championship fight tightening and the season nearing its end, Smith has shown he can still make headlines. His win at Martinsville will be remembered as a clutch performance when the pressure was at its highest.