Layne Riggs is set to compete at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, February 21, driving the No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 as he pursues a breakthrough performance. Following a strong display in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Riggs demonstrated his potential by finishing 15th in Stage One and an impressive second in Stage Two, securing valuable stage points despite finishing 31st after a late-race incident.
Having made three previous starts at EchoPark, Riggs’ best finish at the track was 20th in 2025 after starting 16th. This weekend’s race presents an opportunity for him to build upon that experience and leverage the momentum gained early in the season to compete among the top contenders.
Bare Knuckle Boxing Continues Partnership with Riggs in 2026 Season
For the 2026 season, Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) extends its support for Layne Riggs with the EchoPark Speedway race marking the partnership’s kickoff. BKB, renowned as the world’s oldest and largest professional bare knuckle boxing organization, was founded in South Florida by combat sports pioneers Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez, who also launched NASCAR’s first Hispanic team, HRT Motorsports, in 1999.
The company’s expansive roster, fight library, and global distribution reach millions of viewers worldwide, backing Riggs as he aims to make a notable impact this season. BKB’s involvement emphasizes a growing collaboration between combat sports and NASCAR’s promising young drivers.
“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend. We showed strong speed at Daytona and gained valuable stage points, which gives our team a lot of confidence. Atlanta is a great drafting track, and I’m ready to put our No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 up front and compete for a strong finish.” – Layne Riggs, NASCAR Driver
Chandler Smith Enters EchoPark with Confidence After Daytona Victory
Chandler Smith heads to EchoPark Speedway carrying momentum from his triumph in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Smith has previously excelled at drafting circuits like EchoPark, highlighted by a fourth-place finish from pole position in 2022 and a fifth-place result in 2025. He will pilot the No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150 this weekend, aiming to extend his recent success.
QuickTie™, known for its innovative structural tie-down systems, continues its partnership with Front Row Motorsports and Smith for the 2026 season, backing him as he looks to build on his early-season win.
“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend, especially coming off a win at Daytona. That victory gave our team a lot of confidence and showed what this No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150 is capable of. Atlanta is another great drafting track, and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going and putting ourselves in position to contend again.” – Chandler Smith, NASCAR Driver
Implications for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season
The upcoming race at EchoPark Speedway provides an important early test for both Layne Riggs and Chandler Smith as they work to solidify their status among NASCAR’s competitive field. Riggs aims to capitalize on his promising performance at Daytona and leverage the support of Bare Knuckle Boxing to achieve his first top finish at EchoPark. Meanwhile, Smith looks to sustain his winning streak and continue contending at drafting tracks.
Fans and teams will watch closely to see how these drivers perform on this fast-paced, drafting-friendly circuit in Atlanta, which could set the tone for their success throughout the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season.
