The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship battle is officially down to two drivers following Friday night’s race at Martinsville Speedway. With Chandler Smith taking the victory in the Black’s Tire 200, the biggest storyline coming out of the race was the tightening points battle between Kaden Honeycutt and Layne Riggs.
Honeycutt entered Martinsville with a 43 point advantage over Riggs. However, after a difficult finish for the points leader, that gap has been reduced to just 20 points heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
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After six of seven Chase races, here is how the top 10 currently stand:
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Kaden Honeycutt – 2,403 points
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Layne Riggs – 2,383 points (-20)
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Chandler Smith – 2,300 points (-103)
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Ty Majeski – 2,275 points (-128)
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Christian Eckes – 2,263 points (-140)
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Gio Ruggiero – 2,224 points (-179)
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Ben Rhodes – 2,217 points (-186)
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Daniel Hemric – 2,199 points (-204)
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Tyler Ankrum – 2,193 points (-210)
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Grant Enfinger – 2,178 points (-225)
The biggest winner in the championship standings was Riggs, who finished third after leading 156 laps and sweeping both opening stages.
Although Riggs missed out on the race victory, his strong performance helped him make significant progress in the standings. Meanwhile, Honeycutt struggled during the closing laps and finished 14th after getting caught in a late-race battle that cost him several positions.
That result completely changed the championship picture. Honeycutt still controls his own championship hopes, but Riggs now has a legitimate opportunity to take the title with one race remaining.
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Chandler Smith’s victory was a major accomplishment, but it was not enough to keep him in championship contention. Smith, Ty Majeski, and Christian Eckes were officially eliminated from the title fight following Martinsville.
Smith still has plenty to celebrate after earning his third victory of the 2026 season. Ben Rhodes finished second, while Riggs completed the podium.
The Truck Series championship will come down to Honeycutt and Riggs at Homestead-Miami Speedway. With only 20 points separating the two drivers, the season finale has the potential to deliver an incredible finish.
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Honeycutt has the advantage entering the final race, but Riggs has built momentum at exactly the right time. After what happened at Martinsville, neither driver can afford a mistake.
The championship battle is set, and all eyes will be on Homestead to see who finishes the season on top.
