Following Ty Majeski’s triumph at Richmond Raceway two weeks ago, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs are poised to kick off this weekend at the historic Milwaukee Mile Speedway during the LiUNA! 175, scheduled for Sunday, August 25 at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM Radio.
The 2024 season represents the ninth edition of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs (2016-2024). Since the Playoff format’s launch in 2016, a total of seven drivers have lifted the championship trophy: Johnny Sauter (2016), Christopher Bell (2017), Brett Moffitt (2018), Matt Crafton (2019), Sheldon Creed (2020), Ben Rhodes (2021, 2023), and Zane Smith (2022).
Retaining the same format as previous years, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs consists of a seven-race series spread across three elimination rounds. The season will conclude alongside the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway during the Championship 4 Finale.
Key features of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff format include:
- The number of drivers competing for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship will reduce after every three Playoff races, starting with 10; decreasing to eight after race No. 3; and finally down to four after race No. 6.
- The initial three races of the Playoffs (17-19) are designated as the Round of 10; races 20-22 will be labeled as the Round of 8; and race No. 23 will culminate in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship (Championship 4 Round).
- A victory by a championship-eligible driver in any Playoff race guarantees that driver a position in the next round.
- Four drivers will enter the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship vying for the title, with the highest finisher among them claiming the championship.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Structure:
- Round of 10: Races 17-19 will take place at the Milwaukee Mile Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Kansas Speedway. A Playoff driver who wins a race in this round,
- A driver who secures a win automatically proceeds to the Round of 8. The remaining positions (1-8) that haven’t been filled by wins will be determined based on points. Each Playoff contender advancing will have their points reset to 3,000, plus any Playoff points earned.
- Round of 8: The races for this segment (20-22) will take place at Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway. Similarly, if a driver among the top eight in points wins a race during this round, they will automatically qualify for the Championship 4 Round. The remaining positions (1-4) that are not filled by wins will also be filled based on points, with each advancing Playoff contender’s points reset to 4,000.
- Every driver eliminated will revert to the Playoff base of 2,000 points (plus any Playoff points they earned), with their accumulated points from race No. 17 included. This adjustment allows all drivers not competing for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series title to race for the best possible final standing in the season, with positions five through ten still available.
‘America’s Legendary Oval’ to host CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff opener
For the second time in 14 years, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is set to return to the Milwaukee Mile Speedway for the LiUNA! 175, scheduled for Sunday, August 25 at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM Radio.
This historic track, located on the grounds of Wisconsin State Fair Park, features a 1.015-mile paved oval, as well as a 0.8-mile asphalt-paved road circuit situated in the infield. From 1934 to 1953, the infield served as the home for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. Known as the
The Milwaukee Mile, the oldest operating speedway in the world, has hosted at least one auto race each year since 1903, with the exception of World War II.
This remarkable mile-oval has witnessed 16 events from the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The series made its long-awaited return last season for the first time since 2009, during which four-time series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. triumphed over competitors such as Todd Bodine, Matt Crafton, and Johnny Sauter. The Milwaukee Mile is now set to host the initial event of the postseason’s Round of 10.
The inaugural CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the Milwaukee Mile took place in 1995, when pole sitter Mike Skinner, driving the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, claimed victory. The following year, a series record of 17 lead changes was established.
Johnny Benson Jr., the 2008 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion and three-time Most Popular Driver, boasts the most victories in Brew City, having won three consecutive races in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
The series returned to Milwaukee last season for the first time since 2009, where Ron Hornaday Jr. topped a competitive field including Todd Bodine, Matt Crafton, and Johnny Sauter. Now, the Milwaukee Mile is preparing for its role as the venue for the first event in the postseason’s Round of 10.
Numerous iconic drivers from the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series have left their mark in the Milwaukee Mile record books. Here’s a closer examination:
- Race record: Dennis Setzer 109.907 mph (06/24/2005)
- Qualifying record: Grant Enfinger 122.848 mph (08/27/2023)
- Most races: Terry Cook (14)
- Most poles: Jack Sprague (4)
- Most wins: Johnny Benson Jr. (3)
- Most top fives: Ron Hornaday Jr. (8)
- Most top 10s: Ron Hornaday Jr. (10)
- Laps led: Jack Sprague (498)
Contenders will not only need to reacquaint themselves with the historic mile-oval but will also face the unique challenge of racing on a Sunday. Practice for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at the Milwaukee Mile is set to commence at 4 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 24.
Scouting the 2024 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff roster
The field for the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs is filled with a mix of postseason veterans and several newcomers. Six different teams are represented, along with all three of NASCAR’s OEMs: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Here’s a brief overview of the contenders in this year’s Playoff grid as the drivers prepare for the initial race of the Round of 10 at the renowned Milwaukee Mile Speedway.
Entering the Playoffs as the No. 1 seed with 2,048 points is Corey Heim. In his second year with the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota team, Heim has had an impressive season, showcasing a career-high of five wins (COTA, Kansas, North Wilkesboro, Gateway, Pocono) that secured his place in the Playoffs. The native of Marietta, Georgia has achieved five top-five finishes, 10 top-10 finishes, and has led a total of 469 laps. This marks Heim’s second appearance in the Playoffs.
The 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season Champion Christian Eckes arrives in the Playoffs as the No. 2 seed with 2,038 points. The 23-year-old secured his playoff position with three wins during the season (Bristol, Martinsville, Nashville). The driver of
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No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet leads the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series grid with 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes. This marks Ecke’s fourth appearance in the Playoffs.
With 2,023 points, Ty Majeski from ThorSport Racing enters as the No. 3 seed. The third-year driver has been part of the Playoffs since his rookie season in 2022. Behind the wheel of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford, Majeski has achieved two consecutive victories (LOIRP, Richmond). The native of Seymour, Wisconsin has secured seven top fives, 10 top 10s, and led 372 laps. This season signifies Majeski’s fourth consecutive Playoff appearance (2022-2024).
Holding the No. 4 seed with 2,018 points, Nick Sanchez, the driver of the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet, enters the Playoffs. At just 23 years old, he has qualified for his second postseason after achieving two wins this season (Daytona, Charlotte). The Miami, Florida native has recorded seven top fives, 10 top 10s, and led 72 laps throughout the season.
The No. 5 seed Rajah Caruth follows Sanchez into the Playoffs with 2,009 points. Driving the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Caruth secured his first career victory (Las Vegas), ensuring his position in the Playoffs. The 22-year-old is enjoying a career-best season, with three top fives, eight top 10s, and leading 45 laps. This marks the first Playoff appearance for the Washington, D.C. native.
Post-season veteran Grant Enfinger enters as the No. 6 seed with 2,007 points. The driver of the No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet had a rocky start to the year but has recently been performing well near the front. Collaborating effectively with his new team, the 39-year-old has tallied five top fives, eight top 10s, and led 197 laps this season. This will be Enfinger’s sixth Playoff appearance, ranking third all-time.
Claiming the No. 7 seed with 2,007 points is Tyler Ankrum. The driver of the No. 18 McAnally-Hilgemann Chevrolet made it into the Playoffs on points, clinching his spot at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. In 16 starts this season, the 23-year-old has achieved five top fives, eight top 10s, and has led 92 laps—the highest of his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series career. This represents Ankrum’s third Playoff appearance.
Taylor Gray follows Ankrum into the Playoffs as the No. 8 seed with 2,003 points. Driving the No. 17 TRICON Garage Toyota, Gray is experiencing a career-best season. At just 19 years old, he has secured five top fives, nine top 10s, and led 25 laps. Despite being the youngest competitor in the postseason and making his first Playoff appearance, Gray remains confident in his capabilities.
The 2021 and 2023 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Champion Ben Rhodes enters the Playoffs as the No. 9 seed with 2,002 points. With his seventh Playoff appearance, Rhodes is familiar with the postseason, ranking second-most all-time. The 27-year-old earned his spot via points. In 16 starts this season, the driver of the No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford has two top fives, six top 10s, and 16 laps led. The native of Louisville, Kentucky, could join the ranks of drivers who have won three championships and potentially become the second to win back-to-back titles, emulating his ThorSport teammate Matt Crafton (2013, 2014).
Completing the list of 10 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff contenders is Daniel Dye, who has accumulated 2,001 points. An eighth-place finish in the regular-season finale at Richmond enabled the driver of the No. 43 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet to qualify for the postseason field. The 20-year-
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Old has achieved one top-five finish, six top-10s, and has led four laps this season. This marks Dye’s first appearance in the Playoffs.
For further information, including Playoff bios, championship and postseason statistics, and elimination grids for the Playoffs, please visit the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs Media Hub by following this link on NASCARMedia.com.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
Matt Gould to debut in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Milwaukee Mile – Matt Gould is set to honor the Gould family legacy with Niece Motorsports as he makes his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at the Milwaukee Mile, driving the No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet.
At just 18 years old, he is the son of Niece Motorsports’ most successful and longest-serving crew chief, Phil Gould. As a second-generation driver, Gould participates in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series mainly at Hickory Motor Speedway, where he has celebrated three victories in the Late Model Stock Car category (Orange County, Florence, Hickory).
Gould made his ARCA Menards Series debut at Milwaukee two years ago, making this venue an ideal location for him to advance in his racing career. In 2022, he raced in two ARCA events for Niece Motorsports, both yielding top-10 finishes: 10th at Milwaukee and eighth at Toledo Speedway.
“This opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me, particularly with the support from Al (Niece) and my dad in reaching this milestone,” Gould stated. “I’m really looking forward to it and can’t express my gratitude enough. I’ve enjoyed working on the truck and assembling everything in the interior, knowing it’s for my truck and not someone else’s. A huge thanks to Niece Equipment and Chevrolet for their support as well. I’m eager to get into their simulator soon to familiarize myself, but I’ve already received invaluable help from many people. A lot of family members will be watching who have been anticipating this moment for a long time, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to participate.”
2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs Kick Off at Historic Milwaukee Mile
Overview of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs
The 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs begin at the iconic Milwaukee Mile, a track renowned for its rich history and thrilling racing. As the playoffs unfold, the competition heats up among the top drivers in the series, all vying for the coveted championship title. With the playoffs spanning several weeks, fans can expect intense battles and strategic racing that could reshape the standings.
The Milwaukee Mile: A Historical Racing Venue
The Milwaukee Mile, established in 1903, is one of the oldest operating motorsport venues in the United States. Its unique oval shape and rich history make it a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Here are some key highlights of this historic track:
- Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
- Track Length: 1 mile
- Surface: Asphalt
- First NASCAR Race: 1956
The Milwaukee Mile has seen countless memorable moments in racing history, from thrilling finishes to legendary drivers making their mark. The track’s unique characteristics, including its progressive banking and fan-friendly atmosphere, contribute to its status as a must-visit venue for motorsport enthusiasts.
Format of the Playoffs
The 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs feature a distinct format designed to heighten competition and excitement. Here’s a breakdown of the playoff structure:
Playoff Rounds
The playoffs consist of three rounds, culminating in a championship showdown. Here’s a quick overview of each round:
| Round | Number of Races | Elimination Format |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 3 | Top 8 drivers advance |
| Round 2 | 2 | Top 4 drivers advance |
| Championship Round | 1 | Winner crowned champion |
The excitement builds as drivers face elimination, increasing the stakes with each race. A driver’s performance throughout the regular season significantly impacts their chances in the playoffs, making every point crucial.
Key Drivers to Watch
As the playoffs get underway, several drivers stand out as strong contenders for the championship. Here are some of the key names to keep an eye on:
- John Hunter Nemechek: A consistent performer with a strong track record this season.
- Ben Rhodes: Known for his strategic racing and strong finishes.
- Sheldon Creed: A fierce competitor with a knack for performing under pressure.
- Zane Smith: A rising star who has shown impressive speed and skill.
These drivers, among others, have demonstrated the talent and tenacity necessary to excel in the playoffs. Fans should prepare for some nail-biting moments as they battle for supremacy at the Milwaukee Mile and beyond.
Benefits of Attending the Playoffs
Attending the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs at the Milwaukee Mile offers several benefits for racing fans:
- Unmatched Excitement: Experience the thrill of live racing as drivers push their limits.
- Fan Interaction: Opportunities to meet drivers and participate in fan activities enhance the experience.
- Community Atmosphere: Join fellow fans in celebrating the sport and sharing the excitement.
- Historic Venue: Immerse yourself in the rich history of one of America’s oldest tracks.
Attending the playoffs is not just about the races; it’s about the entire experience, from the atmosphere to the community of fans.
Practical Tips for Attending the Event
If you’re planning to attend the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs at Milwaukee Mile, here are some practical tips to enhance your visit:
1. Plan Ahead
Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as the event is likely to attract a large crowd. Check the schedule for race times, and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
2. Dress Appropriately
Weather in Wisconsin can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring rain gear just in case. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be walking around the venue.
3. Stay Hydrated and Fed
Bring water bottles and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. Many venues have food trucks and stands, but lines can be long, especially during peak times.
4. Engage with Other Fans
Take the opportunity to connect with other fans, whether through social media or by joining fan clubs. Sharing experiences and predictions can enhance your enjoyment of the event.
5. Explore the Venue
Don’t just stick to your seat! Explore the Milwaukee Mile and check out the fan zones, merchandise stands, and any pre-race activities that might be taking place.
First-Hand Experience: Attending the Playoffs
Attending a NASCAR event can be an unforgettable experience. Here’s what a few fans had to say about their experiences at past playoffs:
- Emily R.: “The atmosphere was electric! Watching the trucks race at the Milwaukee Mile was an experience I’ll never forget. The drivers were so close you could feel the power of the engines!”
- Mike T.: “I loved meeting other fans and sharing our favorite moments from the season. The pre-race activities were a great way to kick off the day!”
- Sarah L.: “Seeing my favorite driver take the checkered flag in person was a dream come true. I already can’t wait for next year!”
These testimonials highlight the passion and excitement that come with attending NASCAR events, especially during the playoffs.
Conclusion
The 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs at the historic Milwaukee Mile promise to deliver an exhilarating experience for fans and competitors alike. With a competitive field of drivers, a well-structured playoff format, and the charm of a beloved racing venue, this event is a must-see for motorsport enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, the playoffs offer an unforgettable weekend of racing action.
