Gio Ruggiero Secures First NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Win in Talladega Upset
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Gio Ruggiero shocked the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field Saturday, earning his first career victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. The 21-year-old Ruggiero, driving the No. 32 chevrolet for CR7 Motorsports, capitalized on a late-race scramble to secure the win, marking a breakthrough moment for the young driver and his team.
The victory is particularly notable as Ruggiero entered the race 20th in the series standings and without a top-10 finish to his name. The win automatically advances him into the Championship 4, joining Corey Heim, who had already secured his spot. The dramatic finish unfolded as several championship contenders found themselves caught in late-race incidents, reshuffling the playoff picture.
The race saw intense competition throughout, with multiple lead changes and a chaotic final few laps. Corey LaJoie and Rajah Caruth led the outside lane into the tri-oval but were challenged by Heim, with Caruth potentially hampered by a push from Tanner Gray.
Following the race, the NASCAR craftsman truck Series playoff standings look as follows:
- Corey Heim (WIN)
- Rajah Caruth (+14)
- Tyler Ankrum (+8)
- Kaden Honeycutt (+5)
- Ty Majeski (-5)
- Layne Riggs (-5)
- Daniel Hemric (-32)
- Grant Enfinger (-40)
Daniel Hemric and Grant Enfinger suffered race-ending damage, finishing 34th and 36th respectively. They will now need to win at Martinsville to advance to the Championship 4 alongside Heim and Ruggiero.
