DOVER, Del. — The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Dover Motor Speedway for the first time since 2020, ending a five-year absence for the series at the “Monster Mile.”
A lot has changed since the Trucks last raced at Dover. In 2021, the speedway became part of Speedway Motorsports, bringing new management and changes around the facility. Even the name of the track has evolved since the series’ previous visit.
Heading into Friday night’s race, several major contenders stand out.
Points leader Kaden Honeycutt enters Dover with significant momentum after scoring his first career Truck Series victory last weekend. Honeycutt followed that performance up with a sweep of the zMAX CARS Tour events at Ace Speedway, making him one of the hottest drivers in stock car racing entering the weekend.
Experience at Dover, however, could prove valuable — and no driver in the field has more Truck Series success at the track than Kyle Busch. Busch has won three Truck Series races at Dover, capturing victories in 2011, 2013, and 2014. Anytime Busch enters a Truck Series event, he immediately becomes one of the favorites, especially at a track where he has previously dominated.
Friday’s race will also feature the return of former Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, who is scheduled to compete in an entry backed by Kaulig Racing and Ram Trucks. Bowyer’s return adds another veteran presence to an already stacked field.
Cup Series regulars Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar are also expected to contend for the win, bringing additional experience and aggression to the concrete oval.
With returning veterans, Cup Series stars, and a red-hot points leader all in the field, Dover’s Truck Series return has the potential to be one of the most anticipated races of the season.
