Christian Eckes was a dominant drive in Saturday’s NASCAR Truck race at Martinsville, however a rash of late yellows fully modified the complexion of the end. A number of drivers selected to pit for recent tires, quickly slicing by way of the sphere and one among them had his sights set on the Championship 4.
Taylor Grey drove all the way in which to the again bumper of Eckes and powered into the race lead. Moments later, Eckes bumped into the again of Grey and shot him up the observe. Whereas Grey’s title hopes shattered into items, extra drivers with recent tires have been nonetheless charging.
Ben Rhodes, who was already eradicated from the playoffs, then pressured his manner into the lead. Eckes didn’t let that stand both, performing one more bump-and-run to retake the place with three laps to go. He went on to win the race, securing his place within the Championship 4 alongside Grant Enfinger, Corey Heim, and Ty Majeski.
Rhodes completed second within the race, Chase Purdy third, Grey fourth, and Nick Sanchez fifth. Layne Riggs, Corey Heim, Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger, and Stewart Friesen rounded out the top-ten.
“Like I instructed everyone, I wasn’t going to allow us to lose this race,” mentioned Eckes as boos erupted from the stands. “The truck was too good. The 17 [Gray] was simply arduous racing. I really feel dangerous in regards to the 99 [Rhodes]. I simply bought manner too unfastened coming into the nook. All people’s (not) actually pleased with me, however I do not actually care.”
Whereas he was giving his successful interview, an irate Grey was marching down pit street, flanked by NASCAR safety and a number of other reporters. He walked all the way in which to Victory Lane and shared an expletive-filled trade with Eckes.
“Have you learnt what number of probabilities I needed to ship you into the f****** fence?” requested Grey.
“It is best to have, I suppose,” replied Eckes.
Grey then appeared to say one thing about subsequent week earlier than shoving Eckes and strolling off. Clearly, Grey was nonetheless furious.
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“I get shipped to the fence after I raced him completely clear in (Turns) 1 and a pair of,” Grey instructed FOX Sports activities. “What comes round goes round. I’ve to race him subsequent yr all yr lengthy, so I suppose he is bought that one for him.”
Grey was eradicated from the playoffs alongside Sanchez, Rajah Caruth, and Tyler Ankrum.
