Alabama Driver Loses NASCAR Trucks Championship: Grant Enfinger was just three laps away from claiming the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, but fate had other plans. In a chaotic twist, Corey Heim‘s Toyota collided with Carson Hocevar’s Chevrolet, altering the course of the Craftsman 150 at Phoenix Raceway.
Enfinger, alongside drivers Ben Rhodes, found himself in the Championship 4, vying for the 2023 series title. The one with the best finish would seize the crown. With a comfortable lead, Enfinger’s hopes were dashed when Heim sent Hocevar into the wall, diminishing Heim’s own championship aspirations.
Heim maintained he didn’t intentionally wreck Hocevar, but his on-air declaration hinted otherwise. Hocevar, acknowledging his own faults, admitted, “I deserved that and a little bit more.”
Enfinger, however, bore the brunt of the turmoil. It’s a shame to have a championship come down to that,” lamented the Fairhope native post-race.
As the field reset, Enfinger’s lead over Rhodes vanished, positioning them side-by-side for the green-white-checkered finish. Rhodes surged to second in a land-rush restart, while Enfinger, grappling with damage to his No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet, saw the restart waved off. A pit stop for new tires and bodywork followed.
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Rhodes took the lead for the championship in the second overtime restart. However, a missed shift by Zane Smith led to a pile-up, impacting Rhodes’ right front. The restarts continued, with wrecks prompting red flags.
In the decisive fourth overtime restart, Rhodes sat fourth, and Enfinger, 14th. NASCAR allowed the race to conclude despite a truck hitting the wall. In a remarkable surge, Enfinger passed eight trucks, but Rhodes, passed by one, secured the series title for the second time with a fifth-place finish.
The night ended with Enfinger, despite his valiant effort, falling just one spot short of the championship. Rhodes emerged victorious, marking his second series title in a dramatic and unpredictable Craftsman 150.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the 2006 truck series championship?
The 2006 Craftsman Truck Series champ was Todd Bodine. Johnny Benson came in second in his No. 23 truck in 2007, trailing behind Bodine. David Reutimann claimed third place in the championship.
Who won the 2004 Truck Series championship?
The 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series marked the tenth season of the Craftsman Truck Series, which is the third highest stock car racing series authorized by NASCAR in the United States. Bobby Hamilton, racing for Bobby Hamilton Racing, emerged as the victor of the championship.
What Nascar driver is from Alabama?
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. . Notably, Allison is the brother of the esteemed Hall member Bobby Allison.