Trackin’ Trucks: John Hunter Nemechek wins at Gateway

John Hunter Nemechek does a burnout after his win at Gateway.
Credit: Jeff Curry

by Courtney Horn

John Hunter Nemechek earned his first win of the season Saturday night at Gateway Motorsports Park. Nemechek led 46 laps as well as securing the Stage 1 win during the Drivin’ For Linemen 200.

Nemechek was a top contender much of the evening and regained the lead with four laps to go.

“I was hoping there would be a caution there with 10 or 12 laps remaining because I thought we had the truck to beat if we had track position,” Nemechek said. “We made the call on the green flag pit stop to take two tires and I felt like that was the call to make when the guys in front of us took no tires and we were right behind them. We were running them down.”

The win, which is his first since September 2016, was an emotional one for the 20-year-old. Nemechek thanked his father and a list of sponsors that helped make the day possible.

“Today was a very special day for us,” Joe Nemechek said. “I’ve tutored him the best I know how and tried to teach him all the right values and it’s up to him to do it on the race track. He’s been able to take it and take it to the next level.”

Pole-sitter and Stage 2 winner Chase Briscoe made his way through the field after a late race caution allowed them to gamble for four tires and fuel. Briscoe restarted 13th after only a select few pitted with the Brad Keselowski Racing driver. Briscoe quickly regained the lost positions and finished 2nd for the second week in a row.

Nemechek and Briscoe dominated the race, combining for 134 total laps led.

The only caution for any on-track action came on Lap 148 when the No. 50 of Josh Reaume stalled on pit road after running out of fuel.

A Look Ahead 

The Camping World Truck Series head to Iowa Speedway on June 23, 2017, where Christopher Bell finished ninth a year ago. Bell is 38 points behind points leader Johhny Sauter heading into Iowa after a strong sixth-place finish at Gateway.

Don’t miss Bell and the CWTS during the M&Ms 200 on Friday, June 23rd at 8:30 p.m ET on Fox Sports 1.

Trackin’ Trucks: John Hunter Nemechek wins at Gateway Trackin’ Trucks: John Hunter Nemechek wins at Gateway Reviewed by Anonymous on Sunday, June 18, 2017 Rating: 5