Layne Riggs needs major run at Martinsville for 2026 Chase standings

Layne Riggs remained firmly in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship contention Friday, finishing eighth in the Love's RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway. The Front Row Motorsports driver started ninth, led six laps and competed near the front throughout much of the afternoon. Riggs demonstrated impressive speed early, finishing fifth in Stage 1 before improving to second in Stage 2.His No. 34 Ford continued running among the leaders during the final stage, allowing him to challenge Kaden Honeycutt and several other championship contenders. Riggs appeared positioned for a potential victory when he restarted on the outside of the front row alongside Sammy Smith in overtime.He received a push from Honeycutt, but the outside lane struggled to maintain momentum against the inside line. As Ty Majeski moved ahead of Riggs, Honeycutt eventually found an opportunity to pass his championship rival. Riggs slipped backward during the final-lap battle and finished eighth, earning 44 points through his finishing position and stage performances.He remains second in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chase standings with 2,328 points. However, Riggs now trails Honeycutt by 43 points with only Martinsville and Homestead-Miami remaining. Riggs will need to outscore his rival significantly to keep his championship hopes alive.This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Layne Riggs needs major run at Martinsville for 2026 Chase standings