Layne Riggs returns to compete this weekend at Watkins Glen International in New York, marking his debut on the 2.45-mile road course. Coming off a commanding victory at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park two weeks ago, Riggs is aiming to build on his strong 2024 season, which currently includes two wins, seven top-five finishes, and nine top-10 finishes, placing him third in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Championship standings.
This race represents only Riggs’ third career start on a road course, but he carries confidence into the weekend thanks to the strength of Front Row Motorsports’ road racing program. His No. 34 Ford F-150 will again feature sponsorship from Love’s RV STOP, encouraging fans to download the Love’s Connect App for savings during the summer, such as discounts on gas and diesel fuel.
“The team and I are still riding the high from our win at IRP, but we know there’s more work ahead,”
said Riggs.
“Front Row Motorsports has a strong road course program, and even though I don’t have a lot of experience on these types of tracks, I always feel confident going into them.”
—Layne Riggs, Driver
Chandler Smith Poised to Continue Strong Run at Watkins Glen
Fellow Front Row Motorsports driver Chandler Smith will also compete at Watkins Glen in the No. 38 Ford F-150. Smith has demonstrated solid form at this venue in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, securing two top-10 finishes, including eighth place in 2023 with Kaulig Racing and fourth place earlier this year with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Smith arrives at Watkins Glen positioned second in the Truck Series Driver Championship points with two wins, four top-five, and 12 top-10 results during the season. His recent sixth-place finish at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park solidified his credentials as a viable contender going into the final two races before the playoffs.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing at Watkins Glen,”
Smith commented.
“I feel confident in myself on road courses, and Front Row Motorsports has a strong track record at these types of tracks with both Todd (Gilliland) and Zane (Smith). I believe this No. 38 team has what it takes to run up front this weekend. Even though we’re already locked into the playoffs, there’s still a lot at stake — I want to leave with a win and valuable playoff points.”
—Chandler Smith, Driver
Front Row Motorsports Targets Continued Success at Watkins Glen
With two of their top drivers primed for strong performances, Front Row Motorsports is looking to extend their success at Watkins Glen International. The team boasts a solid record on road courses through drivers like Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith, and hopes their experience will help maintain momentum in the final stages of the Truck Series season.
As the racing weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Riggs as he navigates his Watkins Glen debut, hoping to prove his adaptability on this challenging track, and on Smith as he pursues a critical victory to bolster his playoff positioning. Their performances here could significantly influence the dynamics of the championship chase as the playoffs approach.