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Six factors of intrigue in the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
By Sean Montgomery | Friday, January 14, 2022
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In 22 races last season, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series saw 12 different drivers reach Victory Lane en route to Ben Rhodes' championship celebration at Phoenix Raceway. Since then, many drivers have come and gone, switching rides and moving to other teams among NASCAR's national series.
Rhodes returns to defend his title against a hungry mix of veterans and young drivers looking to make a name for themselves on the national stage.
Before the green flag waves on the new season, let's take a look at some important factors, new developments and different storylines to keep an eye on.
Rhodes returns to defend his title against a hungry mix of veterans and young drivers looking to make a name for themselves on the national stage.
Before the green flag waves on the new season, let's take a look at some important factors, new developments and different storylines to keep an eye on.
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TITLE FAVORITE
John Hunter Nemechek
Nemechek's incredible 2021 campaign fell into the shadows of Rhodes' championship when it was all said and done. Five wins and the regular-season title propelled the Kyle Busch Motorsports driver to be the top contender in the series. Returning to the team in 2022, expectations should be no different.
Twelve top fives, 16 top 10s and 572 laps led will make for lofty expectations for a team that already expects to win every time out. Expect Nemechek and company to be laser focused throughout their title push.
Honorable mention: Matt Crafton
The wily veteran is seemingly always in the mix. Crafton hasn't finished outside of the top six in points in over a decade (last time: 2011), has three titles and makes very few on-track mistakes.
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FAMILIAR FACE IN A NEW PLACE
Grant Enfinger
Enfinger secured a full-time position to head back to GMS Racing in 2022 after a five-year stint with ThorSport Racing, giving him a fresh start with the team where he picked up his first series win in 2016.
In 127 starts, he has six wins, 42 top fives and 77 top 10s to his name. In 2020, Enfinger made his first appearance in the Championship 4 and will once again look to be a strong championship contender in the series.
Honorable mention: Sheldon Creed
Eight-time race winner and 2020 Truck Series champion Creed, one of the series' winningest drivers over the last two seasons, heads to the Xfinity Series for a full-time ride with Richard Childress Racing.
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BREAKOUT CANDIDATE
Zane Smith
Smith has burst onto the scene with a pair of runner-up finishes in the title race in his first two full-time seasons in the series. Two wins in 2020 and one a season ago leave him primed to take that next step this season.
Joining Front Row Motorsports this season, Smith has a chance to solidify himself as a staple in NASCAR's national series. Expectations will be higher than ever, but look for the 22-year-old driver to put together career-best numbers.
Honorable mention: Chandler Smith
The other Smith also burst onto the scene late last year, with electric wins at Bristol Motor Speedway and in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. His main struggle was consistently finishing near the front, so expect him to be much improved in Year 2.
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PLAYOFF SLEEPER PICK
Jack Wood
After splitting time in the Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series in 2021, Wood landed a full-time Trucks ride with GMS Racing for this season. A young, talented driver with a highly competitive team could be a solid match out of the gate, with a playoff appearance definitely within reach.
Veteran driver and new teammate Grant Enfinger is a solid pairing for Wood, as they both try to gain traction in their new situations. Don't be surprised if Wood sneaks into the playoffs this season.
Honorable mention: Tanner Gray
Gray has yet to crack the top 10 in the final standings in his first two seasons in the series, but maybe the third time will be the charm. The key change to be mindful of is experienced NASCAR crew chief Jerry Baxter now sitting at the helm. Baxter's experience and skillset should bring a positive impact almost immediately.
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SCHEDULE, TRACK CHANGES
Sonoma Raceway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Lucas Oil Raceway
The 2022 Camping World Truck Series schedule is ripe with shake-ups and returns to old stomping grounds. Lucas Oil in Indianapolis has held 17 Truck Series races, but none since 2011, making it a long-overdue return for the sport. Road-course venues Sonoma and Mid-Ohio, commonly playing host to other NASCAR series, make this season's Truck Series schedule even more exciting.
New faces, new tracks and new chances for another slate of drivers to emerge victorious when the dust settles.
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LOOK OUT FOR...
Matt DiBenedetto
The former Cup Series mainstay will compete full-time, making his first-ever stint in the Truck Series after 317 combined starts in Cup and Xfinity. DiBenedetto's opportunity in the premier series stalled after gaining momentum following the 2020 season. He'll be out there looking to prove himself once more.
The Truck Series will be a fresh start for the veteran driver, who is still searching for his first NASCAR national series win.
Honorable mention:
Christian Eckes
Eckes split seat time with Grant Enfinger in 2021 but has yet to announce his plans for this season. He has one win and 23 top 10s in 45 Truck Series starts. Wherever he lands, a team will be getting a driver with unquestionable talent at this level.
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