It’s a rough ride for Layne Riggs, who was considered the second most likely to capture the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship heading into the Round of 8 of the Playoffs. Already, he had a bumpy beginning at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Now, his chances at Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega hang in the balance.

According to MRN Radio’s Alex Hayden, “Breaking: 34 truck of Layne Riggs was just removed from the qualifying line after an unapproved adjustment. They will not qualify here at Talladega. Waiting to confirm if they lose pit selection next week at Martinsville.”

The No. 34 passed pre-race inspection on its initial attempt through the inspection bay. However, NASCAR officials caught the team making an illegal adjustment to the truck after it had passed inspection. Reportedly, the windshield fasteners on Riggs’ truck were re-adjusted.

According to NASCAR’s rulebook, these fasteners must remain tight throughout the race to ensure safety and compliance. The violation led to a disqualification, stripping Riggs of his second-place finish earlier in the season.

Adding insult to injury was Bob Pockrass’ update on the situation.

He revealed that NASCAR stopped short of a points deduction but confirmed the loss of pit stall choice for the next key race at Martinsville. Pit-stall selection is determined by the previous weekend’s qualifying, which Riggs is out of.

His Ford F-150 will also start last under provisional rules in the 36-truck field on Friday afternoon’s Love’s RV Stop 225, the second of three races in the Round of 8 of the playoffs, at Talladega. The rules permit a team that meets eligibility requirements to participate even after a qualifying disqualification.

Running in the playoff battle, Riggs sits mid-pack at 5th, one point short of meeting the cutline. Rajah Caruth is narrowly ahead at plus one, while Ty Majeski lingers close behind at minus two points, adding pressure for Riggs to perform. He is one of eight drivers remaining who are eligible for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, with four drivers slated to advance to the Championship 4 following the Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway.

Update: Love’s RV Stop 225 was a battle for Layne Riggs. Pre-race penalty, started in the rear, got in an early wreck, but still finished P5. Now, he’s -6 to the cutline.

However, this is not the only way this disqualification will affect Riggs’ championship contention.

With Riggs not getting a choice for his starting position at Martinsville’s elimination race, he will have to contend with less favorable conditions in the fight for playoff survival at the 0.526-mile short track. 

Unpredictable multi-car incidents common at superspeedways only add to his challenge, reducing his odds of overtaking rivals and improving his points position before the crucial cutoff. The loss of strategic pit positioning further compounds these difficulties, presenting Riggs with a mountain to climb to remain a serious championship contender.

This incident at Talladega adds to a series of challenges Riggs has faced this season. Despite showing promise with notable performances, including three wins like at Indianapolis and Bristol, the team has struggled with consistency.

The disqualification at Kansas was a significant blow, as it not only cost them valuable points but also highlighted the team’s vulnerability to technical infractions.

As the playoffs progress, Riggs and his team will need to overcome these setbacks and demonstrate resilience, especially as his playoff chances get slimmer. The ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be key to their success in the remaining races. While the road ahead is challenging, Riggs’ determination and the team’s commitment to improvement will be crucial factors in their playoff run.