Trackin’ Trucks: Gio Ruggiero Wins at Talladega

 

Credit: Chris Graythen 

Gio Ruggiero earned his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory on Friday evening at Talladega SuperSpeedway, leading 37 of 90 laps during the Love’s RV Stop 225. 

Ruggiero received help from his Tricon Garage teammate Corey Heim, as the driver of the No. 11 Toyota pushed the No.17 to the checkered during an overtime finish. 

"Super thankful all the guys on this 17 truck, they worked their butts off today and definitely brought the best piece today," Ruggiero said. "We showed it in qualifying and throughout the race there that we had the fastest piece. Thanks to Toyota and everybody who supports me. Great to win a race with my mom and dad here."

Heim finished second, while Ty Majeski, Dawson Sutton, and Layne Riggs rounded out the top five.  

Riggs had an eventful day at Talladega, which started in qualifying when the No. 34 was unable to qualify due to an unapproved adjustment. 

Riggs was caught up in two wrecks at the 2.66-mile track, as well as being penalized for pitting too soon after a Lap 32 caution. 

"I'm just glad to end the day in one piece," Riggs said. "I know Chandler [Smith] gave me a bad push getting into the corner there, and we both wrecked. Just so glad that wasn‘t a day-ender.

Started shotgun on the field and went to the back a few times, there at the end just trying to be patient and hold that bottom and hoping the top would break up, and it did. Really bummed we didn't get any stage points. We're not quite in the position we want to be in, but it‘s a lot better than it could have been."

Tyler Ankrum finished sixth, Matt Crafton finished seventh, while Corey LaJoie, Rajah Caruth, and Kaden Honeycutt finished eighth through 10th place, respectively. 

One race remains in the Round of 8 of the NASCAR Playoffs for the series. Playoff contender Grant Enfinger is in a must-win situation after an early wreck credited him with a last-place finish at Talladega. 

 A Look Ahead Into The Playoffs 

The Craftsman Truck Series heads to Martinsville Speedway on Friday, October 24th, where the Playoff field will be reduced from 8 drivers to the final 4, in the penultimate race of the 2025 truck season.  

Those in jeopardy of their championship hopes ending. in addition to Enfinger, are Majeski, Riggs, and Daniel Hemric.

Hemric’s chances of advancing took a hit during the final stage at Talladega, when the No. 19 blew a tire on Lap 53. Toni Breidinger made contact with Hemric. Hemric finished in the 34th position.