Okay, let’s be honest. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series had a weird ending to its 2023 season this past November. In fact, it left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth by the time it was over and done with, including mine.
So what is there to look forward to in 2024?
Well, that’s what I was wondering myself to be perfectly honest.
With Deegan moving up to the Xfinity Series, GMS and KBM closing up shop, and Mid-Ohio not returning to the Truck Series for this year, what exactly is there to look forward to in 2024?
I’m more of an optimistic person myself and I like to look on the brighter side of things. So sit back, relax, and gear up for the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as I tell you some of the things to look for for this upcoming season.
1.) Spire Motorsports to be a threat for multiple wins
Spire Motorsports? Really? Yes, for the Truck Series at least.
Think about it. Spire Motorsports had two wins in the past two years in the Truck Series. Now I know that Cup drivers were the ones to win for them (Byron in ‘22 and Larson in ‘23), but now they have bought Kyle Busch Motorsports and are using their facility to run their race team out of. Not to mention, they will have upcoming talents Rajah Caruth, Chase Purdy, Corey LaJoie and Truck Series legend Kyle Busch behind the wheel of their trucks. Look for Spire to be contenders for many wins this season, and a possible Championship Four place holder.
2.) Changing of the veteran guard
Gone are the days of Hornaday, Sprague, and Bodine, as the new era of veteran drivers enter the ‘24 season. Drivers like Crafton, Rhodes, and Enfinger, who may be higher up in age compared to their young gun counterparts, still show up with a shot to win races and possibly a championship.
I see drivers who have been in the series for a while to be a real threat to run up front each and every week. The Tough Trucks of NASCAR have a certain driving style, which some find very challenging to maintain. Be on the lookout for the new ‘old guys’ to be the namesake of the series.
3.) It’s a fun/entertaining series
When I say “entertaining”, I don’t mean to take the legitimacy out of winning in the Truck Series. But if you don’t want to be entertained, this is not the series to follow.
What’s wrong with having fun? What’s wrong with having a good time and watching something you wouldn’t see in F1 or even the Cup Series? This is a fun series to go out and watch. Not only are the tickets cheaper than on Sunday, but you get to see something no other series can create.
So hopefully, when you see the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on track this evening on FS1, you’ll have something to look forward to this season. Make sure to look for my weekly Truck Series column, Truck Talk, every Friday of the Truck Series race weekend.
Can it be gimmicky at times? Yes. Can it get tiresome seeing carnage? Yes again. But that’s okay! I wouldn’t want to see the Xfinity Series have the finish that the Truck Series did this past November. I want that in the Truck Series. It’s a fun series, and is supposed to make us go, “Wow, that was entertaining! I want to come back again!”
So hopefully, when you see the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on track this evening on FS1, you’ll have something to look forward to this season. Make sure to look for my weekly Truck Series column, Truck Talk, every Friday of the Truck Series race weekend.
About Me: Hey everyone! My name is Kaleb Vestal and I'm 20 years old from Missouri. I am currently the Head Sports Editor at the Nevada Daily Mail Newspaper in Nevada, Mo. and I've been following motorsports since 2012.If you are looking for a young talented writer to cover motorsports for a full time basis, then look no further. Please feel free to contact me through email at [email protected]. Thanks again!
Twitter: kalebvestal1