Following a dramatic 2023 championship finale and featuring a strong lineup of title favorites, new series regulars and new team combinations, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series opens the 2024 season with high expectations Friday night at Daytona International Speedway with the Fresh from Florida 250 (7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Reigning series champion, ThorSport Racing’s Ben Rhodes is back and ready to race for a third season trophy for his mantle with confidence he and his No. 99 ThorSport Racing team are absolutely up to the task. The competition too.
Rhodes earned that 2023 championship by a mere 1-point margin on veteran Grant Enfinger, who lines up for Friday’s season-opener with a new look and team this season. He’ll drive the No. 9 Chevrolet for CR7 Motorsports.
They will both have serious title competition again from 21-year-old Corey Heim, who posted three wins, led most of the season’s statistical categories and advanced to his first Championship 4 with his No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota team. The motivation will be intense as last year’s breakout star race for the title again.
And there’s no question, a key championship challenger and last year’s Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Nick Sanchez, as well as another young star, Christian Eckes, will play an important part in the title run.
The 2024 season also sees a high-profile addition of full-timers racing for the trophy. Former NASCAR Cup Series regular Ty Dillon returns to full-time truck competition in No. 25 RACKLEY W.A.R. Chevrolet.
Veteran Timmy Hill will be competing full-time alongside popular young stars like Rajah Caruth, rookie Layne Riggs, and Thad Moffitt. IndyCar star Marco Andretti will be spending significant time behind the wheel of the No. 04 Roper Racing Ford – planning on seven starts in the Truck Series and another 13 in the ARCA Menards Series.
Zane Smith is the two-time defending Daytona race winner. Rhodes won it three years ago and Enfinger, four years ago.
Practice is at 5 p.m. on Thursday and televised on FS1. Qualifying for the Fresh from Florida 250 is slated for 3 p.m. Friday and will air live on FS1.
Source: Holly Cain | NASCAR Wire Service
