2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series COTA Preview
Photo: Chris Owens/HHP
From one of the shortest tracks on the schedule to the longest track, the Craftsman Truck Series heads to Circuit of the Americas for the XPEL 225. Coverage starts at 1:30PM EST on FS1.
Last year’s race was won by Zane Smith, whose truck infamously caught on fire as he was doing burnouts on the front stretch due to the rain guards underneath the truck.
Best Bets for Trucks
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Best Bets for Trucks |
Ross Chastain +200
Ross Chastain makes his return to the Craftsman Truck Series for the second year in a row at COTA, looking to get some extra practice before Sunday’s Cup Series race. He finished 5th last year, after winning the pole and leading 10 laps. He’s racing for Niece Motorsports, a team he’s had success with in the past. He’ll be looking to return to victory lane in the Trucks for the first time since 2022.
Corey Heim +300
Despite being one of just two drivers to finish inside the Top 10 in every Trucks race this season, Corey Heim is still searching for his first win of the season. He finished 6th in last year’s race and was able to win at Mid-Ohio last summer as well. It’s just a matter of time for the dice to roll Heim’s way.
Tyler Ankrum +550
It’s only a matter of time before Tyler Ankrum wins a race in 2024. He heads back to COTA, a track which he’s finished inside the Top 10 in all three Craftsman Truck Series races, alongside former Truck Champions Ben Rhodes and Zane Smith. Heading into this weekend, Ankrum’s worst finish of the season was 11th at Daytona. Pen in the #18 Silverado to contend for the win on Saturday.
Christian Eckes +900
After securing his first win of the season, Christian Eckes will be looking to keep his momentum rolling into Austin this weekend. He has one Top 10 finish at COTA, coming back in 2022 with Thorsport. Despite finishing 30th last year, Eckes finished 4th at Mid-Ohio later that season. He’ll be looking to go back to back on Saturday.
Connor Zilisch +1200
Connor Zilisch makes his NASCAR debut this Saturday for Spire Motorsports. At just 17 years old, Zilisch has been signed by Trackhouse as their developmental driver, being tabbed to run races in the Xfinity Series, Trucks, ARCA, CARS Tour, Trans-Am, and IMSA. He’s an exciting driver to keep an eye, as he’s won two IMSA races this season, the Rolex 24 and the 12 Hours of Sebring.