{"id":130706,"date":"2025-08-09T03:19:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T03:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/130706\/"},"modified":"2025-08-09T03:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T03:19:12","slug":"nascar-craftsman-truck-series-playoff-outlook-bubble-has-gotten-interesting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/130706\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Outlook: Bubble Has Gotten Interesting"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series closing in on the start of the 2025 playoffs.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to take a look at who\u2019s safely in, along with the three spots still available.\u00a0 The Series was at Watkins Glen this week, and then the playoff grid will be set after Richmond. The regular season champion has already been secured, as Corey Heim has proven to be the best driver this year. Some interesting and unfortunate circumstances have certainly shaken up the playoff standings this past week. Let\u2019s take a closer look at how it\u2019s shaping up.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Outlook: Bubble Has Gotten Interesting<\/p>\n

The top of the standings is very clear, as Heim leads the series with six wins. Those wins and how he has consistently led laps all season, helped him claim the regular season title already.\u00a0 Other drivers who have secured their spot already are Chandler Smith (two wins), Layne Riggs (two wins), Daniel Hemric, Tyler Ankrum, and Rajah Caruth with a win apiece. Stewart Friesen<\/a> would be in as well, but his recent dirt racing accident that left him seriously injured has him out for the rest of the season. His truck will remain in the owner\u2019s championship, but he won\u2019t get to partake in the 2025 playoffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK \u2013 AUGUST 08: Christopher Bell, driver of the #52 Halmar International Toyota, and Tyler Ankrum, driver of the #18 LiUNA! Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Mission 176 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 08, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Luckily for his team, Christopher Bell stepped up this weekend in Watkins Glen to pilot the No. 52 truck. Plus, a quietly strong contender to make the playoffs, Kaden Honeycutt, makes the move to the No. 52 for the rest of the season, starting at Richmond.<\/p>\n

Thorsport Not in Championship Form<\/p>\n

Thorsport has been one of the most successful NASCAR Truck Series teams for years now. They have won three of the last four series titles and six overall. The only problem this season is that only one of their trucks looks to be on its way to the playoffs. That is defending champion Ty Majeski. But luckily, Majeski leaves Watkins Glen +84 points above the cutline and has clinched his spot in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

The rest of Thorsport isn\u2019t quite as fortunate as Jake Garcia currently holds the final spot heading to Richmond. He\u2019s 11 points above the cutline. While teammate Ben Rhodes is the first driver outside. With that mark only being 11 points, Richmond is going to have plenty of drama. Especially after all the trouble both drivers had at the end of the Watkins Glen race.<\/p>\n

Win in Your In Doesn\u2019t Look Like it\u2019s going to Work.<\/p>\n

Grant Enfinger didn\u2019t have a great day at Watkins Glen, but he was able to get to +91 above the cutline, securing his berth in the 2025 Truck Series playoffs. As I previously said, that leaves two spots up for grabs next week. Kaden Honeycutt<\/a> is +65, which seems like a comfortable spot at this point, especially with him moving into the No. 52 Truck for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n

Rookie Gio Ruggiero looked like he could\u2019ve put himself into a playoff-stealing bid in Watkins Glen, but he had to settle for third place. He\u2019s only 21 points back heading to Richmond, so he\u2019s still got a chance. The biggest thing is winning, and your in doesn\u2019t seem like it\u2019s going to work for the final two spots in the 2025 playoff grid, especially if Corey Heim continues to show up.<\/p>\n

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Updated @NASCAR_Trucks<\/a> Playoff standings after @WGI<\/a> and @CoreyHeim_<\/a>\u2019s 6th win of the season. <\/p>\n

Both @GrantEnfinger<\/a> and @TyMajeski<\/a> have clinched a postseason berth on points, next week from @RichmondRaceway<\/a> is the regular season finale with 2 spots up for grabs. #Mission176<\/a>\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/eIZuXrwA6b<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Richmond\u2019s sure going to have plenty of drama.<\/p>\n

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