Layne Riggs delivers an incredible 28th-to-1st comeback on the streets of St. Pete, while IndyCar legend James Hinchcliffe makes an impression in P10.
Street Course Stunner
The Truck Series' first-ever street course race at St. Petersburg delivered on every level, and no one delivered more than Layne Riggs in the No. 34. Starting dead last in 28th, Riggs put on a masterclass in street course racing, leading 41 laps and scoring a season-high 73.1 fantasy points. It was the kind of performance that rewrites how you think about a driver.
From the Back to the Front
Riggs' march through the field was relentless. While others struggled with the tight confines and concrete walls of the 1.8-mile street circuit, Riggs found grip and rhythm that nobody else could match. By the time he took the lead, it was clear the No. 34 team had found something special in their setup. Leading 41 of 75 laps from a 28th-place start is the single most dominant fantasy performance of the young season.
Ty Majeski in the No. 88 also delivered a big upward move, starting 22nd and finishing P2. Majeski continues to prove he's one of the most adaptable drivers in the field, thriving on a track type that was brand new to the series.
The Stage Battle
Ben Rhodes ran his trademark front-of-the-pack style from a fourth-place start, leading 23 laps and winning Stage 1. Rhodes finished P3, adding to his growing total of laps led on the season. Through three races, Rhodes has been one of the most consistent producers in the series.
Chandler Smith showed up again in P4, leading seven laps and collecting stage points in both stages (fourth in Stage 1, second in Stage 2). The Daytona winner is building an impressive early-season resume.
The CrossOver Star
All eyes were on James Hinchcliffe in the No. 77 — the beloved IndyCar veteran making his Truck Series debut on a street course that played to his open-wheel strengths. Starting third, Hinchcliffe ran in the top five for much of the race before settling into P10. While he faded slightly in the closing laps as tire management became critical, P10 from a competitive starting spot was a respectable debut. The fans loved every minute of it.
Under-the-Radar Movers
Kaden Honeycutt in the No. 11 moved from 19th to fifth, a 14-position climb that fantasy managers who were paying attention cashed in on. Landen Lewis in the No. 45 collected stage points in both stages (third and third) and finished sixth — the kind of quiet, points-accumulating day that wins fantasy weeks.
By the Numbers
| Driver | Start | Finish | Laps Led | Fantasy Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layne Riggs #34 | 28th | 1st | 41 | 73.1 |
| Ty Majeski #88 | 22nd | 2nd | — | — |
| Ben Rhodes #99 | 4th | 3rd | 23 | — |
| Chandler Smith #38 | 5th | 4th | 7 | — |
| Kaden Honeycutt #11 | 19th | 5th | — | — |
| Landen Lewis #45 | — | 6th | — | — |
Fantasy Takeaways
- Riggs just posted the highest fantasy score of the season (73.1 pts) from DEAD LAST. When a street course or road course appears on the schedule, Riggs needs to be in your lineup regardless of qualifying.
- Majeski from 22nd to 2nd makes him another place-differential monster. Two of his three races have featured major climbs.
- Rhodes leads laps like clockwork — 23 more at St. Pete. Even without the win, his floor is incredibly high thanks to laps-led bonuses.
- Honeycutt is emerging as a sneaky value play. From 19th to 5th is serious upside at what should be a modest salary.
- Hinchcliffe was fun, but P10 from P3 is a negative differential. Crossover stars are entertaining but risky in fantasy.