Trackin’ Trucks: Chandler Smith Wins at Las Vegas

Credit: Dylan Bull

Chandler Smith earned his third career Camping World Truck Series victory on Friday night, grabbing the lead with two laps remaining over Zane Smith and Kyle Busch.

Chandler Smith pulled a crossover move against Zane Smith to propel the 19-year-old to victory. It marks the ninth consecutive Truck Series race won by a driver 23 years of age or younger. 

“When you guys tune into me halfway through the race, ‘how did he get up there?”’ Chandler Smith said motioning toward the sky. “It’s the good Lord man, he performs miracles all day. He’s given me this talent, this opportunity to drive this truck for Kyle Busch Motorsports and for (sponsor) Safelite.”

“I’m just beyond thankful for this whole opportunity. All the glory goes to Him, my guys, my wife, all the guys part of this deal. I’m just super thankful right now.”

Busch finished second after Zane Smith was disqualified for a lug nut infraction. He was credited with a 36th place finish.

Stewart Friesen finished third, while Ryan Preece and Tanner Gray rounded out the top five.

There were three cautions in the final 30 laps of the Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200, including a multi-truck accident on Lap 105 between ThorSport Racing teammates Ben Rhodes and Ty Majeski. Christian Eckes and Preece were also involved, but were both able to continue.

Credit: Dylan Buell

However, with 11 laps to go Eckes was tagged from behind by the No. 51 of Busch while Eckes was leading the race. Eckes finished in the 28th position.

Derek Kraus made contact with John Hunter Nemechek and Grant Enfinger on Lap 132, which sent the No. 19 of Kraus spinning toward the inside wall. Kraus was able to save it to salvage a 24th-place finish.

Just one lap later, Enfinger suffered a right-front tire going down and slid into the outside wall. His No. 23 Chevrolet briefly caught fire. Nemechek, Jordan Anderson, and Spencer Boyd were involved in an incident shortly after because Nemechek’s Toyota suffered a flat tire. Jordan Anderson was collateral damage, having no place to go other than hitting the No. 4 in the front end. Boyd was unable to continue and was transported to the a local hospital for evaluation after reportedly dislocating his shoulder.

A Look Ahead

The Camping World Truck Series have the next two weeks off before returning to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 19th.

Chandler Smith holds the points lead over Gray by a five-point margin. Ty Majeski is third, defending champion Rhodes is fourth, while Friesen rounds out the top five.

Busch is the defending race winner at Atlanta, where he won one year ago over Austin Hill and teammate Nemechek.

Who will win and will they secure their ticket into the Playoffs? Find out on March 19th at 2:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.