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Gio Ruggiero earns first career pole at Charlotte, full Truck Series qualifying results

JHby: Jonathan Howard05/23/25Jondean25
Gio Ruggiero
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

18-year-old Gio Ruggiero will lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to green later tonight with his teammate on the front row. Tricon Garage made up the first three positions in qualifying, with Tanner Gray and Corey Heim not far behind Ruggiero.

Gio Ruggiero has raced a ton in the ASA Stars Tour and in other Late Model races. Now he is bringing that talent to the Truck Series. Ruggiero has had a few great runs this season and is knocking on the door of that first career win.

Tonight’s Truck Series race includes Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain in the field. I think we are going to get an electric race with the Cup Series talent pushing these full-time truckers to the limit.

Gio Ruggiero is a much-hyped NASCAR prospect. His first career pole comes in just his 11th start in the series this season. His innate speed and ability are what excite many teams and team owners about his future.

The full starting lineup is below with qualifying times. A few surprises, like Matt Crafton and Tyler Ankrum, struggled in qualifying. We will see if they can bounce back later tonight when the track cools down and these trucks go into race trim.

I think tonight is likely going to be another example of Corey Heim versus the Cup Series guys. Heim is ready to be in the Cup Series. He has all of the intangibles. This season in the trucks, he has had a few bad breaks. Still, he has three wins and likely could have three more if the right circumstances unfolded.

Last week, Heim got into it with Layne Riggs late. Or I should say, Riggs got into Heim. Going for the win, the 34 truck put it all on the line and it didn’t work out. Chandler Smith snuck by for the win instead.

So, tonight we have ARCA and Truck Series action. When you have a weekend with as much racing as this one, every lap is a big deal. These drivers want to win in front of the home crowd in Charlotte. You never know who is watching in the infield or from the stands, or when the next opportunity could come your way.

While Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch pose a threat tonight, I think Corey Heim has everything under control. His truck was fast in qualifying, and unless proven otherwise, Heim is the favorite for each and every one of these races. No matter who is in the field.