It is the homecoming race for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NC Education Lottery 200. Read all about tonight’s race before the trucks take the green flag.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway Preview
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is racing at its home track, Charlotte Motor Speedway, for the NC Education Lottery 200. This is race number four of a six-race stretch leading into the summer months, ending at Michigan International Speedway.
Last time by, it was Nick Sanchez and Spire Motorsports taking the win in 2024. Can Spire take it again? Can Corey Heim win the Charlotte race that has alluded him for the last two years? And will we see if tempers from North Wilkesboro spill over to Friday’s race?
Race Preview:
The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 is the eleventh race of the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series season. It is a 201-mile race, 134 laps around the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway. The stage cautions will be on laps 30 and 60, and the checkered flag on lap 134. 782,900 dollars in prize money is up for grabs for the field.
Goodyear is bringing the left side tires run at Texas and Kansas, and the right used at Homestead and Rockingham. Teams will have five sets of tires for qualifying and the race.
The Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, North Carolina, opened in 1960 as a premier venue for stock car racing. The first race track to have lights and host a night race. Featuring 24 degrees of banking in the turns and 5 degrees on the straights, Charlotte is the quintessential 1.5-mile track in NASCAR. This is a home race for many teams, with shops located a short distance away.
Kyle Busch is the king of Charlotte in the Truck Series, with eight wins. Carson Hocevar has the lap record with a 30.017-second lap set in 2023.
READ MORE: Carson Hocevar Outclasses Truck Series Regulars to Win at Kansas
Craftsman Truck Series Point Standings:
Here are the point standings following North Wilkesboro:
1. Corey Heim: 412
2. Chandler Smith: 348
3. Daniel Hemric: 327
4. Tyler Ankrum: 312
5. Grant Enfinger: 295
6. Ty Majeski: 285
7. Jake Garcia: 274
8. Kaden Honeycutt: 256
9. Layne Riggs: 248
10. Ben Rhodes: 245
Drivers To Watch:
We have seven drivers joining the field for Friday’s NC Lottery 200. Brandon Jones continues to drive for TRICON Garage in their #1 Tundra. Stefan Parsons will drive the #02 Silverado for Young’s Motorsport. BJ McLeod will race the #07 for Spire. Kyle Busch joins him at Spire, driving the #7. Ross Chastain will #44 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports. And Parker Kligerman will return to the #75 Chevy for Henderson Motorsports.
READ MORE: Parker Kligerman Wins Trucks at Daytona, DQ-ed Post Race
With the King of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch, in the field tonight, it is hard not to pick him again. He has a win at Atlanta this year, and a ninth place last Saturday at North Wilkesboro. My money is again on Kyle Busch to take the win tonight.
Corey Heim is the talk of the town in 2025. He leads by 64 points over Chandler Smith. His issue is not him, he has the talent to win every race this season. It is either his equipment or his competitors that take him out of contention to win. Heim has two starts at Charlotte, first year, he finished dead last, last year he came in second. Keep an eye out for the clock striking Heim-time.
Ben Rhodes won the 2023 race at Charlotte. It has been a quiet season so far for the #99 team. They won the 2023 race. I think if there were an opportunity to turn a season around for Rhodes, it is this race. Get that momentum up as we head into the summer months.
How To Watch the Craftsman Truck Series at Charlotte:
Friday, May 23rd:
- Practice
- 3:35 PM Eastern
- No TV Coverage
- Qualifying
- 4:40 PM Eastern
- No TV Coverage
- The NC Education Lottery 200:
- 8:30 PM Eastern
- Coverage is on Fox Sports 1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Stay connected with Last Word on Motorsports for all the news and coverage from Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
Main Photo: David Jensen, Getty Images
Recording Date: 5/24/2024
