Chandler Smith advances in NASCAR Truck Playoff with thrilling victory at Bristol: In a stunning upset on Thursday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, rookie Chandler Smith stole a victory from reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed, clinched a spot in the Round of 8 of the Playoffs and eliminated Todd Gilliland from the postseason.(Read More)(9-16-2021)
#18-Chandler Smith needed to win to advance to the next round of the playoffs and he did. Following a restart just five laps from the finish, Smith muscled the lead away from the dominant #2-Sheldon Creed to win the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway and advance to the Round of 8. It is his first career Truck Series win.
#2-Creed, who started from the pole, won both of the opening stages, and led 189 of the 200 laps, was leading at the time of the restart. However, he was outnumbered by Kyle Busch Motorsports teammates Smith and #4-John Hunter Nemechek. Smith took the position from Creed in the low lane with Nemechek in his tire tracks. As they dusted it up, Creed drifted high and fell back in the pack with a flat tire. He limped home to a 19th place finish.
#98-Grant Enfinger muscled by Nemechek at the finish for second, with Nemechek crossing the line in third. He was followed by #52-Stewart Friesen, #13-Johnny Sauter, #42-Carson Hocevar, #88-Matt Crafton, #21-Zane Smith, #99-Ben Rhodes, and #38-Todd Gilliland.
Despite finishing 10th, Gilliland failed to advance to the next round of the playoffs. He missed the cut by just two points. #16-Austin Hill also failed to move on. He was involved in a wreck that set up the final restart and failed to finish the race.
There were 3 lead changes among 3 drivers and 11 cautions for 85 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was 59.479mph.
See race details at: Race Results, Driver Points, Driver Points Reseed, Owner Points, Owner Points Reseed, Cumulative Report, Penalty Report
Race Fast Facts – Bristol Motor Speedway:
Chandler Smith # (P) won the 24th Annual UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics, his first victory in 34 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2021.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in three races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Grant Enfinger (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in five races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2021.
John Hunter Nemechek (P) (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in seven races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Chandler Smith (P) (first) was the highest finishing rookie. With his win he transfers into the Round of 8.
Chandler Smith and Zane Smith entered the race below the Round of 8 cutline and raced their way into the next round. Todd Gilliland and Austin Hill failed to advance to the next round in the Playoffs.
(NASCAR)(9-16-2021)
Truck Series Playoff Standings after Bristol:
1) #2-Sheldon Creed, 2166, 2 wins in Round of 10
2) #18-Chandler Smith, 2098, 1 win in Round of 10
3) #4-John Hunter Nemechek, 2165, in on points
4) #88-Matt Crafton, 2133, in on points
5) #52-Stewart Friesen, 2133, in on points
6) #42-Carson Hocevar, 2103, +3
7) #99-Ben Rhodes,2102, +2
8) #21-Zane Smith, 2102, +2
Missed the Round of 8
9) #38-Todd Gilliland, 2100, -2
10) #16-Austin Hill, 2094, -8
See the Driver Point Standings and the Owner Point Standings
Reset Truck Series Playoff Standings after Bristol:
1) #4-John Hunter Nemechek, 3050
2) #2-Sheldon Creed, 3026, -24
3) #99-Ben Rhodes,3019, -31
4) #21-Zane Smith, 3009, -41
5) #18-Chandler Smith, 3006, -44
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 3004, -46
7) #42-Carson Hocevar, 3002, -48
8) #52-Stewart Friesen, 3001, -49
See Driver Points Reseed and Owner Points Reseed
To the rear: None.
Crew Rosters
Pit Stall selections
#2-Sheldon Creed will start from the Cometic Gasket pole for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. #4-John Hunter Nemechek will start second, followed by #38-Todd Gilliland, #88-Matt Crafton, #52-Stewart Friesen, #98-Grant Enfinger, #18-Chandler Smith, #42-Carson Hocevar, #21-Zane Smith, and #16-Austin Hill.
See the complete UNOH 200 Starting Lineup page.(9-15-2021)
Goodyear Tire Notes
The Entry List for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 40 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed. #6-Norm Benning misses the race, excluded by points / number of entries.
Some notes: #3-Disavino, #9-Howard, #17-Taylor Gray, #24-Coby, #32-Mayer, #51-Dollar.
See the full entry list on the Entry List page
