At the Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2026, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series opened its season with the Fresh From Florida 250. This 102-lap race on the 2.5-mile superspeedway unfolded over just more than two hours, featuring intense competition among the field of drivers. Among them, Layne Riggs participated, aiming to improve his position in the championship standings but encountered difficulties during the event. His performance on this iconic track was a critical early opportunity to secure points in the long NASCAR season ahead.
Race Results and Championship Impact for Front Row Motorsports
Chandler Smith emerged victorious after starting the race from the 10th position and leading to the checkered flag by completing all 102 laps. This victory marked Smith’s first career win at Daytona and the 16th triumph overall for Front Row Motorsports’ Truck Series team, reinforcing the team’s strong presence at this venue. Meanwhile, Layne Riggs, beginning near the tail of the field in 35th place, finished 31st after completing 98 laps, affected by issues that prevented a higher placement on race day.
Following the race, Smith secured the top rank in the points standings, while Riggs stood 22nd. These early rankings will guide both drivers as they work through the season, aiming to refine their performances and capitalize on future races.
Insights from Front Row Motorsports’ Key Drivers on Their Daytona Performance
Chandler Smith reflected on his win with gratitude, emphasizing his faith and the cohesive effort of his team. He credited his teammate Ty Majeski and the No. 38 Ford F-150 crew for their dedication and recent off-season improvements that strengthened their competitiveness. Smith expressed unexpected relief at a critical moment late in the race when a competitor did not block the closing run, enabling him to secure the lead.
“First off, I want to shout out all glory to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible. And I am super, super grateful that I serve such a loving God that blessed me with such a good group of men and women around me at Front Row Motorsports. Ty Majeski, one of my best four teammates I’ve ever worked with. He is all credit to how we just won that race truthfully. He stayed committed to a Ford and pushed a Blue Oval to a win. Just super, super grateful for everybody on this No. 38 Ford F-150 group. We made some changes in the off-season. I felt like last year everybody for the most part knows how this 38 group came together last year, but we built on it and made this group so much better for this year, and I’m so excited for 2026. I was surprised the 62 didn’t block it. I was just — the seas literally just parted, and the 88 stayed committed to me, and like I said, thank you, thank you, thank you, Ty Majeski. Definitely got to owe you one on that one.”
— Chandler Smith, driver
Layne Riggs offered a candid assessment of his race, highlighting early struggles with the truck’s handling and speed. Just as improvements were making the situation manageable, a tire cut put him multiple laps behind the leaders. He acknowledged the challenges typical at the start of any season and remained optimistic about the remaining races as chances to repair performance and gather valuable points.
“First off, congratulations to Chandler Smith and the No. 38 team. It’s a great start to the season for the organization to have one of our trucks in Victory Lane. Today just wasn’t our day for the No. 34 group. We struggled with handling and overall speed early in the race, and just as we got it to a more manageable spot, we cut a tire and went three laps down. There are still some early-season kinks to work through as we get back into the rhythm, but it’s a long season, and every race is a new opportunity to win and gain points.”
— Layne Riggs, driver
Front Row Motorsports’ Ongoing Commitment and Legacy in NASCAR
Founded in 2004 by Bob Jenkins, Front Row Motorsports continues to build on its reputation as a strong competitor in NASCAR’s premier divisions. With notable achievements such as the 2021 Daytona 500 victory and a 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship, the team remains a significant force in stock car racing. FRM fields multiple entries in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the Truck Series, maintaining operations out of Mooresville, North Carolina. The team’s continuous development and expanded experience across races like Daytona hold promise for driver growth and future wins.
Looking Ahead: What Layne Riggs’ Daytona Performance Means for the Season
Despite the setbacks encountered by Layne Riggs during his Daytona race, the early season marks an essential phase for adjustment and improvement. With the long schedule of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series ahead, Riggs and Front Row Motorsports have opportunities to refine their vehicles, strategies, and teamwork. The determination exhibited by both Riggs and Smith signals a competitive season in which each race can alter the trajectory toward championship contention. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these drivers capitalize on lessons learned from Daytona’s challenging race.
