NASCAR Truck Series is NASCAR’s third national tier, featuring purpose-built pickup trucks on short tracks, intermediates, and ovals in a 23-race season emphasizing close racing and emerging talent.
Overview and history
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series launched in 1995 as SuperTruck Series by Jack Roush, evolving from prototype truck demos during 1994 Daytona 500 Speedweeks that proved popular with fans.
Origins and SuperTruck Era (1994-1995)
Off-road racers built prototype F-150 Lightning (Gary Collins fabrication) tested by Jim Smith at Daytona. NASCAR greenlit series after Burbank meeting (Apr 11, 1994). Debuted Mesa Marin 20 (Jul 30, 1994 exhibition); 1995 inaugural season (20 races) won by Mike Skinner (Marcis #3 Chevy). Sears Craftsman sponsored 1996 rebrand.
Craftsman Truck Expansion (1996-2008)
Grew to 25 races peak; Ron Hornaday Jr. dominated (4 titles: 1996, 1998, 2004, 2007 w/ DEI/KHI). Hendrick’s Jack Sprague 4 straight (1997-2000). Toyota entered 2005 Tundra (Bodine/Germain instant success). Dirt via Eldora Speedway debuted 2013 (ended 2021).
Key Milestones Table
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Prototype truck debuts Daytona Speedweeks. |
| 1995 | SuperTruck inaugural; Skinner first champ. |
| 2005 | Toyota joins; Bodine wins title. |
| 2010 | Playoffs introduced (8 drivers). |
| 2013 | Eldora dirt race begins. |
| 2021 | Rebrands Craftsman Truck Series. |
Modern Playoff Era (2010-Present)
Playoffs condense top 10 into 7-race shootout. ThorSport dominates Owners’ (8 titles); Taylor Gray 2024 champ (ThorSport #98 Ford). 70%+ drivers promote to Xfinity/Cup (Kyle Busch 64 Truck wins). Affordable (~$5M/season) vs. Cup $15M+. 2025: 25 races, road course expansion (Lime Rock debut).
Championship format and playoffs
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2025 playoffs feature 10 drivers competing over 7 races in three elimination rounds, culminating in a Championship 4 finale at Phoenix where the highest-finishing finalist claims the title.
Qualification and Regular Season Points
18-race regular season earns playoff points: 5 per win, 3 per stage win, 1 per stage top-10. Top 10 standings post-regular season qualify; top 7 winners guaranteed, remainder by points (no winless cutoff like Cup).
Base points: 40 win, 35 2nd, dropping to 1 for 36th+. Stage points (top 10 Stages 1/2): 10-1.
Playoff Structure
| Round | Races | Field Size | Reset Points | Advancement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 10 | 19-21 | 10 drivers | 2000 + playoff pts | Top 8 advance (4 eliminated) |
| Round of 8 | 22-24 | 8 drivers | 3000 + playoff pts | Top 4 advance (4 eliminated) |
| Championship 4 | 25 | 4 drivers | 5000 each | Highest finisher = champion |
Win any playoff race auto-advances; points reset excludes prior eliminations.
Points Structure
| Pos | Pts | Pos | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40 | 11 | 24 |
| 2 | 35 | 12 | 23 |
| 3 | 34 | 13 | 22 |
| 4 | 33 | 14 | 21 |
| 5 | 32 | 15+ | 19-20 |
Playoff resets mimic Cup (2000 base + bonuses); stage points since 2016.
Rules
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rules emphasize safety, parity, and close racing through stage points, playoff resets, and strict penalties mirroring higher series.
Points and Stage Racing
Points: 40 for win, 35 second, dropping to 1 (36th+). Stage 1/2 top-10: 10-1 points + playoff bonuses (5/win, 3/stage win, 1/top-10 stage). Most laps led: +5. Races ~150-250 miles; green-white-checkered finishes (1 attempt Trucks).
Playoffs
Top 10 post-regular season (7 winners auto + points). Resets: Round of 10 (2000 base), Round of 8 (3000), Championship 4 (5000). Win advances; highest Phoenix finisher = champ.
Penalties Structure
| Level | Infractions | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| L1 | Pit violations, inspection fails | Rear-start, pass-through, 10 pts loss |
| L2 | Engine/body mods | 75-120 pts, $100K fine, crew suspension |
| L3 | Major safety/manipulation | Playoff ban, 200+ pts, indefinite suspension |
Common: Crew over wall too soon (pass-through), commitment line (15s pit add), tire/fuel violations (disqualify).
Technical Rules
Spec composite trucks (F-150/Silverado/Tundra); 6.2L V8 EFI (525hp short tracks). Solid axle, 5-speed sequential, 18″ Goodyears. Pre/post-race inspections mandatory; OEM parity limits wind tunnel/CFD time.
Trucks and technical specs
Composite bodies (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra) on steel tube-frame; 6.2L V8 (pushing 525hp short tracks, 450hp superspeedways w/plates). 5-speed sequential trans, solid rear axle, 18″ wheels, Goodyear tires. ~3,300lb weight; no independent suspension.
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Triton/Pushrod V8 EFI |
| Power | 525hp (short/inter), 450hp (plate) |
| Chassis | Steel tube-frame; spec body |
| Suspension | Front double A-arm, solid rear |
| Top Speed | 180mph+ non-plate tracks |
46 unique winners; Carson Hocevar leads active (10 wins). Ford 14 titles, Chevy 12, Toyota 10. ThorSport (4), Kyle Busch Motorsports (4) top owners.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championships (1995–2025)
NASCAR awards Manufacturers’ titles based on best-finishing truck per race (similar to Owners’ points). Chevrolet dominated early (11 titles), Toyota surged post-2005 entry (12 titles), Ford trails (7).
| Season | Manufacturer | Titles to Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Chevrolet | 1 |
| 1996 | Chevrolet | 2 |
| 1997 | Chevrolet | 3 |
| 1998 | Chevrolet | 4 |
| 1999 | Chevrolet | 5 |
| 2000 | Chevrolet | 6 |
| 2001 | Chevrolet | 7 |
| 2002 | Ford | 1 |
| 2003 | Chevrolet | 8 |
| 2004 | Chevrolet | 9 |
| 2005 | Toyota | 1 |
| 2006 | Toyota | 2 |
| 2007 | Chevrolet | 10 |
| 2008 | Ford | 2 |
| 2009 | Chevrolet | 11 |
| 2010 | Toyota | 3 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet | 12 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet | 13 |
| 2013 | Toyota | 4 |
| 2014 | Toyota | 5 |
| 2015 | Toyota | 6 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet | 14 |
| 2017 | Toyota | 7 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet | 15 |
| 2019 | Ford | 3 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet | 16 |
| 2021 | Toyota | 8 |
| 2022 | Ford | 4 |
| 2023 | Toyota | 9 |
| 2024 | Ford | 5 |
| 2025 | Toyota | 10 |
| Rank | Manufacturer | Titles | Win % Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet | 16 | 45% |
| 2 | Toyota | 10 | 32% |
| 3 | Ford | 5 | 16% |
Toyota’s late dominance reflects manufacturer investment; Chevrolet led inaugural decade exclusively
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs 25 points races in 2025 across a mix of short tracks, intermediates, superspeedways, and road courses, with a schedule closely shadowing Cup but focused on driver development and variety.
Track Types Overview
Short tracks: <1 mile, high contact, heavy braking (Martinsville, Bristol, North Wilkesboro, IRP, New Hampshire, Rockingham).
Intermediates: 1–2 miles, aero and tire management (Atlanta, Las Vegas, Homestead, Texas, Kansas, Charlotte, Nashville).
Superspeedways: 2+ miles with pack racing (Daytona, Talladega, Michigan).
Road courses: Natural and hybrid layouts (Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen, Charlotte ROVAL).
2025 Craftsman Truck Series Tracks
| Track | Type | Length | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona International Speedway | Superspeedway | 2.5 mi | Season opener (Fresh From Florida 250). |
| Atlanta Motor Speedway | Intermediate (plate-style) | 1.54 mi | Early-season drafting race. |
| Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Intermediate | 1.5 mi | Night event, Race 3. |
| Homestead-Miami Speedway | Intermediate | 1.5 mi | Spring date; formerly playoff staple. |
| Martinsville Speedway | Short oval | 0.526 mi | Paperclip; two dates (regular + playoff). |
| Bristol Motor Speedway | Short high-banked | 0.533 mi | Spring night + Round of 10 cutoff. |
| Rockingham Speedway | Short/intermediate | 1.017 mi | Easter weekend return; historic oval. |
| Texas Motor Speedway | Intermediate | 1.5 mi | Night race; aero-sensitive. |
| Kansas Speedway | Intermediate | 1.5 mi | May prime-time race. |
| North Wilkesboro Speedway | Short | 0.625 mi | Vintage short track comeback. |
| Charlotte Motor Speedway (oval) | Intermediate | 1.5 mi | Night race; gateway to summer swing. |
| Nashville Superspeedway | Intermediate concrete | 1.33 mi | Concrete tire-wear race. |
| Michigan International Speedway | Superspeedway-lite | 2.0 mi | First Truck race there since 2020. |
| Pocono Raceway | Tri-oval | 2.5 mi | Unique three-corner layout. |
| Lime Rock Park | Road course | 1.53 mi | First National Series visit; June road race. |
| Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) | Short | 0.686 mi | Tight playoff-style short track. |
| Watkins Glen International | Road course | 2.45 mi | High-speed road race in August. |
| Richmond Raceway | Short/intermediate | 0.75 mi | Night race, tire strategy. |
| Darlington Raceway | Intermediate | 1.366 mi | Playoff Round of 10 opener, abrasive “Lady in Black.” |
| New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Flat mile | 1.058 mi | Round of 10 cutoff. |
| Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL | Road/oval hybrid | 2.32 mi | Round of 8 opener on infield road course. |
| Talladega Superspeedway | Superspeedway | 2.66 mi | Playoff pack-race wildcard. |
| Phoenix Raceway | Short/tri-oval | 1.022 mi | Championship finale; Round of 4. |
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2026 schedule expands to 25 points races across 18 regular season events (Feb 13-Nov 6), introducing two street circuits while dropping Las Vegas, with Homestead-Miami Speedway reclaiming finale status.
Full 2026 Schedule
| Race # | Date | Track | Time (ET) | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fri, Feb 13 | Daytona Int’l Speedway | 7:30 PM | FS1 | Season opener |
| 2 | Sat, Feb 21 | Atlanta (EchoPark Speedway) | 1:30 PM | FS1 | Drafting early |
| 3 | Sat, Feb 28 | St. Petersburg Street Circuit | 12:00 PM | FOX | Street race debut |
| 4 | Fri, Mar 20 | Darlington Raceway | 7:30 PM | FS1 | Abrasive intermediate |
| 5 | Fri, Apr 3 | Rockingham Speedway | 4:30 PM | FS1 | Historic oval |
| 6 | Fri, Apr 10 | Bristol Motor Speedway | 7:30 PM | FS1 | High-banked night |
| 7 | Fri, May 1 | Texas Motor Speedway | 8:00 PM | FS1 | Aero night race |
| 8 | Fri, May 8 | Watkins Glen International | 4:30 PM | FS1 | Road course |
| 9 | Fri, May 15 | Dover Motor Speedway | 5:00 PM | FS1 | Concrete return |
| 10 | Fri, May 22 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | 7:30 PM | FS1 | Quad-oval night |
| 11 | Fri, May 29 | Nashville Superspeedway | 8:00 PM | FS1 | Tire-wear concrete |
| 12 | Sat, Jun 6 | Michigan Int’l Speedway | 1:30 PM | FS1 | Speed return |
| 13 | Fri, Jun 19 | Naval Base Coronado (San Diego) | 7:00 PM | FS1 | Street circuit debut |
| 14 | Sat, Jul 11 | Lime Rock Park | 1:00 PM | FS1 | Road course |
| 15 | Sat, Jul 18 | North Wilkesboro Speedway | 12:30 PM | FS1 | Vintage short |
| 16 | Fri, Jul 24 | Lucas Oil IRP | 8:00 PM | FS1 | Tight short track |
| 17 | Fri, Aug 14 | Richmond Raceway | 7:30 PM | FS1 | Regular finale |
| 18 | Sat, Aug 22 | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | 1:30 PM | FS1 | Flat mile |
Playoffs Structure
Round of 10 (Races 19-21)
Thu, Sep 17: Bristol Motor Speedway (8:00 PM FS1)
Sat, Sep 26: Kansas Speedway (1:00 PM FS1)
Fri, Oct 9: Charlotte ROVAL (5:00 PM FOX)
Round of 8 (Races 22-24)
Fri, Oct 16: Phoenix Raceway (7:30 PM FS1)
Fri, Oct 23: Talladega Superspeedway (4:00 PM FS1)
Fri, Oct 30: Martinsville Speedway (6:00 PM FS1)
Championship Race 25
Fri, Nov 6: Homestead-Miami Speedway (7:30 PM FS1)
Two street debuts (St. Petersburg, Coronado), Dover return, no Vegas; all FOX/FS1 broadcast.
Calendar
23 races: heavy short tracks (12), intermediates (7), superspeedways (3), dirt (1 Knoxville? context). Key: Daytona (opener), Bristol Dirt (signature), Martinsville (.526mi paperclip), IRP short oval.
Southeast core; Midwest expansion (IRP, Kansas). Plays feeder to Cup/Xfinity; ~75% trucks reach higher series.
Cultural and Global Reach
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series draws ~500K average viewers (FS1/FOX, down 5% YoY 2025), serving as affordable entry point (~$5M/team) for young talent amid core U.S. Southeast/rural fanbase (55+ males dominant).
Viewership and Economics
483K average 2025 viewers trails Xfinity (1.3M+); Daytona opener peaks ~1M. FOX/FS1 exclusive; digital/social growing via Recast streaming. Generates ~$200M revenue (sponsors Craftsman, truck brands); feeder role boosts value (70% promote to higher series).
Ratings Trends
| Year | Avg Viewers | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 510K | – |
| 2024 | 508K | -0.4% |
| 2025 | 483K | -5% |
Overlaps Cup: 60% male, 34% 55-64, working-class South/Midwest. Appeals rookies/families via close racing; Kyle Busch (64 wins) celebrity draw.
Global Initiatives
Recast partnership streams Xfinity/Trucks internationally (190+ countries, no local TV markets). Ties international series: Mexico, Pinty’s (Canada), Whelen Euro, Brasil Sprint. No overseas points races yet; digital focus expands reach.