Series
By Staff Report
NASCAR.com
Published: 28 Nov, 2022
2 Minute Read
Editor’s note: With Champion’s Week in Nashville ongoing, NASCAR.com will look back at every playoff round of the 2022 season in all three national series.
RACE 1: At Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, July 29
Winner: Grant Enfinger
Key highlights: A return to the popular track for the first time in 10 seasons (2011) quickly saw the playoff field get busy. Leading the field to the checkered flag was playoff driver Enfinger, who snapped a 38-race drought without finding Victory Lane.
Full race recap: Grant Enfinger powers to dramatic Truck Series victory at IRP
At-track photos: 2022 Indianapolis weekend
RACE 2: At Richmond Raceway, Aug. 13
Winner: Chandler Smith
Key highlights: Although Ty Majeski held the initial advantage after winning Stage 1, Smith — a fellow playoff competitor — would be the one to seize the opportunity and hold onto it, leading the final 175 laps on the way to his third win of the year and a berth in the following postseason round.
Full race recap: Chandler Smith wins Truck Series playoff race at Richmond
At-track photos: 2022 Richmond summer weekend
RACE 3: At Kansas Speedway, Sept. 9
Winner: John Hunter Nemechek
Key highlights: Although Enfinger and Smith already had their Round of 8 positions secure, eight remaining hopefuls — including Nemechek and Carson Hocevar — looked to find their seat in the next round as well. While Hocevar finished runner-up behind Nemechek (despite the latter pitting after the former during the race), the finish wasn’t enough for the No. 42 Chevrolet to move onward in the postseason.
Full race recap: Nemechek rallies to Kansas win; Hocevar, Crafton eliminated
At-track photos: 2022 Kansas playoff weekend
DRIVERS ELIMINATED: Carson Hocevar, Matt Crafton