There have been seasons when the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series did not always feature a “gentlemen’s agreement” of sorts when it came to close-quarter driving or important Playoff cutoff races. Interestingly, the drivers this season, say competition has been notably more respectful than in some previous years.
“You’re got to assess your situation and pick and choose your battles,” said Front Row Motorsports’ Chandler Smith, who is third – 46 points behind Heim – in the standings.
“The racing has cleaned up a lot,” he added. … “I’m proud to say, this year the start of the season was a little bumpy with a few instances. … But a lot of it is cleaned up and it’s been tamed down.
“That’s been pretty encouraging to see that we’re not all going out there just running over each other like it was three years ago when I left the series [for Xfinity Series].
Spire Motorsports driver Rajah Caruth, the Nashville Superspeedway race winner who is making his second Playoff appearance agrees with Smith about the calmer vibe. The driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado goes into the title run ranked eighth, with a slim two-point edge on Honeycutt and Garcia.
“I think you can race hard respectfully and not let guys get over on you for sure,” Caruth said. “I don’t think it’s the right way to go to get back at guys or do things in a retaliatory manner. … I think the culture has changed in hopefully a good way in the Truck Series this year.”
ThorSport’s Jake Garcia shared the sentiment – but with a caveat. He said to expect bold moves as the Playoffs move into the increasingly intense cut-off races – at New Hampshire, Martinsville – and then in the title run at Phoenix.
“My goal is to be in a good enough position, hopefully not be involved,” he said smiling.
Garcia is encouraged about his Playoff chances considering both his fulltime teammates have won series titles. ThorSport’s Matt Crafton is a three-time series champ and Majeski is the reigning series champ. He is ranked 10th in the standings, but only three points below eighth place Caruth.
“There is certainly championship pedigree at ThorSport,” he said, noting he feels some pressure to get a championship so he’s not “the odd man out.”