At the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event held on February 21 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, Ben Rhodes displayed remarkable speed and control, leading 70 of the 125 laps before rain forced NASCAR to end the race early. Despite his clear dominance, the unpredictable nature of racing on drafting-style tracks became evident, where timing and strategy can outweigh simply leading the most laps. Rhodes’ strong performance in his No. 99 ThorSport Racing truck seemed poised to earn him a well-deserved victory.
Fuel Issues Derail Rhodes’ Momentum Late in Stage Two
Rhodes’ day took a sharp turn near the close of stage two when his truck abruptly slowed on the backstretch, running out of fuel just before the stage ended. This mishap caused him to drop out of the lead pack, losing valuable stage points and falling a lap behind. Stewart Friesen seized the opportunity and claimed the stage two win, following Corey Heim’s victory in the opening stage.
Ben Rhodes out of gas! Stewart Friesen wins after a dramatic finish to Stage 2 in Atlanta. 😳 Stage 1: Corey HeimStage 2: Stewart Friesen! https://t.co/cPrUiwyjQ4 pic.twitter.com/UV5by9AsqD— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 21, 2026
Race Developments Provide Rhodes a Chance to Recover
Rhodes’ fortunes improved around lap 100 when a crash involving his ThorSport teammate Cole Butcher and Dawson Sutton triggered a caution, allowing Rhodes to receive a free pass and rejoin the race without losing another lap. His No. 99 truck, already known to be one of the fastest on the track, gave him a slim opportunity to claw back through the field as the race approached its closing laps.
Rhodes led 70 laps prior to running out of fuel right before the stage 2 end. That’s the 4th most laps he’s ever led in a race. What could’ve been one of his most dominant days might’ve just gotten away from him.#NASCAR https://t.co/j9tIZzdGeB— Michael Massie (@m_massie22) February 21, 2026
Ben Rhodes Mounts an Intense Charge but Falls Short
Restarting in the middle of the pack, Rhodes aggressively pushed his Ford forward with determination, navigating through competitors while maintaining strong pace. His rapid progression brought him near the leaders, demonstrating both his skill and the strength of his truck’s setup. Still, the limited remaining laps and stiff competition prevented him from securing a victory, as Rhodes crossed the finish line in fourth place.
After the race, Rhodes acknowledged the unexpected problem:
didn’t expect it at all, and you can’t save anything while leading
, reflecting on how running out of fuel robbed him of stage points. Despite the setback and ongoing winless streak dating back to 2023, Rhodes expressed pride in his team’s effort and the truck’s performance throughout the event.
I think it speaks volumes of the team, especially here
, Rhodes said.
“You have no practice, the speed is made at the race shop, we showed up we had great speed, kudos to the guys.”
The truck was really solid, this is my first race with this new intermediate style body. We got some handling things we can work on with that and can be a little more aggressive.
Kyle Busch’s Victory Highlights Experience and Strategy
Kyle Busch secured his third consecutive Truck Series victory at Atlanta, showcasing his ability to control the race’s pace and manage lane selection expertly. The two-time Cup Series champion, with 68 Truck Series wins, executed a strong late-race move that left competitors, including Rhodes, struggling to respond effectively.
Unless you can clear them and hold them, you’re a bit of a sitting duck. Kyle was really good about managing that run and doing that move. I knew that’s what he was going to do and was trying to just ride behind him and didn’t expect the bottom to form back up.
Outlook for Rhodes as the Series Moves to St. Petersburg
Though Rhodes missed out on a win that seemed within reach, his strong performance and fast truck underscore the potential he and ThorSport Racing have as the season progresses. Their focus will now turn to the upcoming street course race in St. Petersburg, marking a fresh challenge in the Truck Series’ calendar and a chance for Rhodes to bounce back from the near miss in Atlanta.
Ben Rhodes out of gas! Stewart Friesen wins after a dramatic finish to Stage 2 in Atlanta. 😳
Stage 1: Corey Heim
Stage 2: Stewart Friesen! https://t.co/cPrUiwyjQ4 pic.twitter.com/UV5by9AsqD— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 21, 2026
Rhodes led 70 laps prior to running out of fuel right before the stage 2 end. That's the 4th most laps he's ever led in a race. What could've been one of his most dominant days might've just gotten away from him.#NASCAR https://t.co/j9tIZzdGeB
— Michael Massie (@m_massie22) February 21, 2026
