Trackin’ Trucks: Ben Rhodes Wins at Bristol (dirt)

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

Ben Rhodes overcame an early race mistake on Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway to earn his first win of the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

Rhodes led twice for a total of 95 of 150 laps. He earned Stage 1 and Stage 2 victories over Ty Majeski.

Rhodes had to circle back around to pit road after his Stage 1 victory because he missed the entrance. Rhodes was forced to pit again after Stage 2 and had to work his way up front before regaining the lead on 147.

“My crew gave me such an awesome Tundra this weekend that I wasn’t going to let them down.” Rhodes said, “I had to go back up there and earn the spot back. I’m really proud of all their effort.”

Carson Hocevar finished second after leading 40 laps at the half-mile track. He is the only other driver credited with leading laps.

Hocevar debated what he could’ve done different to secure the victory after the race.

“Either ripped the top or crashed him.” Hocevar said, “I hate saying that, but it’s part of the racing, right? I just couldn’t compete with him. He just had better (fresher) tires, and he was the fastest truck all day. I was just trying to hold on.”

“He slide-jobbed me, and I should have prepared for it, crossed him over and raced him really hard.” Hocevar continued, “Second just sucks. It’s terrible, especially being that close.”

John Hunter Nemechek earned his third top-five finish of the season with third, while Parker Kligerman and Christian Eckes rounded out the top five.

Joey Logano finished in the sixth position in his first series start since his win at Martinsville in 2015. Chase Elliott, Grant Enfinger, Matt Crafton, and Zane Smith finished seventh through 10th place, respectively.

A Look Ahead

The Camping World Truck Series have the next two weekends off before returning on Friday, May 6th, to Darlington Raceway.

An early look at the playoff picture has former champion Matt Crafton and Grant Enfinger fighting for a spot in the post-season championship run.

Ben Rhodes is the points leader by 38 points over Chandler Smith.

Who will win at Darlington? Find out on May 6th at 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.