{"id":36650,"date":"2025-08-08T22:29:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T02:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=36650"},"modified":"2025-08-08T22:29:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T02:29:09","slug":"nascar-craftsman-truck-series-playoff-outlook-bubble-has-gotten-interesting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2025\/08\/08\/nascar-craftsman-truck-series-playoff-outlook-bubble-has-gotten-interesting\/","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’s time to take a look at who’s 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’s take a closer look at how it’s shaping up.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Outlook: Bubble Has Gotten Interesting<\/h2>\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’s championship, but he won’t get to partake in the 2025 playoffs.<\/p>\n

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WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – 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)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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<\/h3>\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’t quite as fortunate as Jake Garcia currently holds the final spot heading to Richmond. He’s 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’t Look Like it’s going to Work.<\/h3>\n

Grant Enfinger didn’t 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’ve put himself into a playoff-stealing bid in Watkins Glen, but he had to settle for third place. He’s only 21 points back heading to Richmond, so he’s still got a chance. The biggest thing is winning, and your in doesn’t seem like it’s 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

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