Jake Garcia, a native of Monroe, Georgia, will start on the pole for Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta. Driving the No. 98 Quanta Services / Curb Records Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing, Garcia posted an impressive lap time of 32.050 seconds, reaching a speed of 172.980 mph to earn the top qualifying spot for the Fr8 208 event.
Garcia Reflects on Home Track Advantage and Race Strategy
Garcia expressed how meaningful it is to begin the race from the front row in his home state. Speaking to FOX Sports, he commented on the difficulty of passing at Atlanta, stressing the importance of controlling a racing lane to accumulate valuable stage points.
“It’s huge to start out front here at Atlanta. I think it’s hard to pass, so if you can control a lane, you can put yourself in a good position to get stage points,”
Garcia said.
“It’s really special to start on the pole here, it’s a home track for me, and I’m excited to lead the field to the green.”
Front Row Competition and Other Top Qualifiers at EchoPark Speedway
Ben Rhodes will line up on the outside of the front row in the Campers Inn RV No. 99 Ford F-150, after registering the fastest time in the initial qualifying round. The two-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion was narrowly edged out by his younger ThorSport Racing teammate, Garcia, denying Rhodes his first pole in nearly a year.
Kyle Busch, who claimed victory in the past two Truck Series races at this track, will take the third starting position as he begins the first of eight scheduled starts for Spire Motorsports in the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST. Following Busch, Tyler Ankrum will start fourth, and NASCAR Cup Series regular Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will secure the fifth position in his second Truck Series race for Niece Motorsports.
Strong Qualifying Performances From Rookies and Veterans Alike
Rookie of the Year contender Cole Butcher posted a noteworthy qualifying run Friday, advancing to the second round and earning sixth place, just ahead of his teammate and Daytona polesitter, Ty Majeski, who settled for seventh. Adam Andretti, entering his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, impressed by qualifying eighth for TRICON Garage. Andrés Pérez de Lara and Gio Ruggiero completed the top ten, with Ruggiero coming off a runner-up finish at Daytona.
Other drivers who narrowly missed the top 10 in qualifying include Kaden Honeycutt (11th), John Hunter Nemechek (12th), Daniel Hemric (13th), Grant Enfinger (14th), Christian Eckes (15th), Stewart Friesen (16th), Carson Hocevar (18th), Layne Riggs (19th), Corey Heim (20th), and Chandler Smith (22nd).
Challenges for Kaulig Racing and RAM at EchoPark
Kaulig Racing and RAM faced difficulties in qualifying, with their highest starting spot held by Justin Haley at 25th. Ty Dillon and other teammates Brenden Queen, Mini Tyrrell, and Daniel Dye were further back, slated to start 26th, 28th, 29th, and 30th respectively. This marks a tough day for the teams as they prepare for Saturday’s race.
Overview of the Fr8 208 Event and Broadcast Details
Scheduled for Saturday, February 21, at 1:30 PM ET, the Fr8 208 will be broadcast live on FS1. The race holds significance for both local fans and the drivers who have demonstrated strong performances in qualifying. With Garcia leading the field at his hometown track, anticipation is high to see if he can convert his pole position into a strong race result.
That Georgia crowd gets to see one of their own lead the field to green tomorrow!! pic.twitter.com/wXkK7WJWTE
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 20, 2026
That Georgia crowd gets to see one of their own lead the field to green tomorrow!! pic.twitter.com/wXkK7WJWTE
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) February 20, 2026
