Layne Riggs reacts to Talladega wreck, bouncing back for top-five finish

Today was a battle for Layne Riggs. Pre-race penalty, started in the rear, got in an early wreck, but still finished P5. He salvaged his day, and now, going into Martinsville, he doesn’t have to worry so much about having the perfect race. He still has to perform if he wants to make the Championship 4, though.

Layne Riggs wasn’t going to win the Truck Series championship today. But he easily could have lost it. A DNF today would have put Riggs in a position where he would have to win at Martinsville if he wanted to advance. Instead, he’s only -6 to the cutline.

With his roots in short track racing, Riggs should feel comfortable going to Martinsville. He spoke with Todd Bodine after the race about his wreck and how he bounced back from it.

“Yeah, I’m just glad that it was in one piece,” Riggs said after the finish. “I know Chandler gave me a pretty bad push getting into the corner down there, we both wrecked. Just so glad that wasn’t a day ender. Big thank you to everybody at Front Row Motorsports. Started shotgun on the field, went to the back a few times.

“At there at the end, was just trying to be patient, hold that bottom, hoping the top would break up, and it did. So, really bummed that we didn’t get any stage points. We’re not quite in the position we wanted to be in, but it’s a lot better than it could have been.”

Gio Ruggiero ended up winning the race. He dominated and controlled the front of the field for most of the day. Starting on the pole, the Truck Series rookie put this race away and did it with Corey Heim right behind him.

For Layne Riggs, that was good news. No one in the playoff field advanced by winning the race. So, there are still three spots up for grabs in Phoenix. Next week, the mission is clear. Maximize points and set yourself up to at least be in contention for the win.

Layne Riggs could use a win going into Phoenix

Momentum is key in NASCAR. That’s why winning next weekend at Martinsville would be major for Layne Riggs, or any of the playoff drivers. Getting a win on a short track before going to Phoenix with he same package would be major for any of these drivers.

Even though Martinsville and Phoenix race differently, it wouldn’t hurt to have the shop buzzing going into Phoenix with a new grandfather clock to show for it. Corey Heim has had weeks already to prepare for the championship race, so these other drivers have to find any edge that they can at this point.

Riggs has won three times this season. He has had some of his best performances on short tracks. Even though he doesn’t have to win, I like his chances of getting the job done next week at Martinsville. Nothing is guaranteed, but that also means anything can happen. A Riggs win qualifies as anything.

This was the best drafting track finish ever for Layne Riggs. That is a milestone worth celebrating if you are the 34 team and driver. Is Riggs capable of spoiling this season and stealing the championship from Corey Heim? He has to make it to Phoenix first.