NASCAR's Grassroots Series

Craftsman Truck Series

The most unpredictable racing in NASCAR — half-ton pickups, short tracks, and the hunger of drivers with something to prove.

View 2027 Schedule

Series Overview

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is the third tier of NASCAR's national ladder and one of the most beloved series in motorsport. Founded in 1995, it was born from the grassroots tradition of pickup truck racing in the American Southwest and quickly grew into a nationally televised series with a passionate fanbase.

Running a 25-race schedule, the Truck Series visits a diverse mix of venues — superspeedways, short tracks, dirt tracks, and road courses — giving it a character all its own. The series is known for close, door-to-door racing, frequent lead changes, and a willingness to race on surfaces the Cup Series rarely visits.

The Truck Series has launched the careers of legends including Ron Hornaday Jr., Todd Bodine, and more recently Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, and Ben Rhodes. It remains the most accessible entry point into NASCAR's national series for young talent and independent teams alike.

1995Founded
252027 Races
The CWBroadcast Partner
8Chase Races

2026 Season Recap

2026 Champion

Ben Rhodes

No. 99 Toyota

ThorSport Racing — 3rd career Truck Series title

Ben Rhodes delivered a masterclass in consistency during the 2026 season, winning three times in the regular season and surviving a chaotic Championship 4 at Phoenix to claim his third Craftsman Truck Series title — cementing his legacy as one of the series' all-time greats.

Most Wins

1
Ben RhodesThorSport Racing
5W
2
Corey HeimTRICON Garage
4W
3
Grant EnfingerCR7 Motorsports
3W
4
Christian EckesMcAnally-Hilgemann Racing
3W
5
Ty MajeskiThorSport Racing
2W

Season Highlights

Ben Rhodes won at Daytona to open the season, setting the tone for a dominant championship run

Corey Heim swept both dirt track events at Bristol and Knoxville in back-to-back weekends

Grant Enfinger's win at Talladega was the most dramatic of the season — a last-lap photo finish

The series made its debut at Knoxville Raceway, drawing the largest crowd in Truck Series history

Christian Eckes led the most laps of any driver in 2026 despite finishing third in the championship

The Chase Format

The Craftsman Truck Series runs an 8-race Chase that begins at Bristol Motor Speedway in September and concludes with the championship race at Phoenix Raceway in November. With fewer races than the Cup and Xfinity Chases, every single event carries enormous weight.

01

Round of 8

2 races

Bristol, Talladega

Eight drivers enter the Chase. Two races to make your mark — two are eliminated heading into the Round of 6.

02

Round of 6

2 races

Las Vegas, Homestead

Six remain. Race wins lock you into the next round. Two more are cut before the Round of 4.

03

Round of 4

2 races

Martinsville, Kansas

The final four are set. Two races to build momentum before the winner-take-all finale.

04

Championship Race

1 races

Phoenix Raceway

The highest finisher among the final four drivers is crowned the Craftsman Truck Series champion.

A race win during the Chase automatically advances that driver to the next round, regardless of points standing.

Where to Watch

The entire 2027 Craftsman Truck Series season airs on a single broadcast partner, keeping all 25 races in one easy-to-find home.

The CW
25races

Feb – Nov

All 25 races including the Daytona opener, all Chase races, and the championship at Phoenix

Drivers to Watch

A rugged mix of Truck Series veterans, young chargers making their names, and the occasional Cup regular dropping in for a race.

Ben Rhodes

ThorSport Racing

#99

Toyota

3x champion and the series' active wins leader. The benchmark every other driver measures themselves against.

Corey Heim

TRICON Garage

#11

Toyota

4 wins in 2026 including both dirt events. The most naturally gifted driver in the series right now.

Grant Enfinger

CR7 Motorsports

#23

Chevrolet

Talladega specialist and superspeedway threat every time the series visits a big track.

Christian Eckes

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing

#19

Chevrolet

Led the most laps in 2026. Consistently fast — still searching for that elusive championship.

Ty Majeski

ThorSport Racing

#98

Toyota

Short track ace. Two wins in 2026 and a growing reputation as one of the series' toughest competitors.

Taylor Gray

David Gilliland Racing

#17

Ford

The youngest full-time driver in the field. Raw speed and no fear — a future star in the making.

2027 Schedule Preview

Start times will be added as confirmed. Chase races marked with ★. All races air on The CW.

Full Schedule
Feb 21

NextEra Energy Resources 250

Daytona International Speedway

Season opener
Mar 27

Race name TBD

Bristol Motor Speedway (Dirt)

Dirt track event
May 22

Race name TBD

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Coca-Cola 600 weekend
Jul 18

Race name TBD

Knoxville Raceway

Dirt track debut
Sep 18

Race name TBD

Bristol Motor Speedway

Chase opener ★
Nov 7

Championship Race

Phoenix Raceway

Season finale — champion crowned ★