NASCAR

NASCAR Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225: Qualifying, William Sawalich’s Pole Position, Lineup At Talladega Superspeedway

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Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published2 hours ago on October 04, 2024

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During Friday’s qualifying session at Talladega Speedway, Nicholas Sanchez spoke of working on his off day. The NASCAR Truck Series driver didn’t mind clocking in, though, despite his 11th-place finish in qualifying. Circuit points leader Corey Heim bumped him from the final round. 

“I’ve learned to enjoy speedway racing,” Sanchez told Fox Sports. “You can almost say it’s like a day off. Some things you can control. Some things you can’t control. 

“You can control (being) aggressive and enjoy the day. That’s what I’m telling myself.” 

William Sawalich could be telling himself and his team something else after earning the pole position for the Love’s RV Stop 225, one day after turning 18 years old. After turning a hot qualifying lap of 175.764 mph, Sawalich became the youngest driver to start on the inside of the front row at the 2.66-mile tri-oval track. 

Ben Rhodes, the defending series champion who was eliminated from postseason contention, finished 0.036 seconds Sawalich and will start P2.  

Sanchez, who claimed wins at Daytona International Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway this season, entered the race No. 4 in the playoff standings, eight points above Rajah Caruth on the elimination line.

Greg Biffle Rescues Hurricane Helene Victim 

Former Truck Series champion Greg Biffle utilized his helicopter to attempt to aid Hurricane Helene victims in mountainous regions of North Carolina.  

While patrolling an area in the hard-hit western part of the state, Biffle noticed a mirror’s reflection, signaling help. Biffle landed and rescued the stranded individual. 

Biffle competed in parts of seven Truck seasons, including three full-time campaigns (1998-2000), before advancing to standout careers on the Cup and Xfinity Series.  In 83 Truck starts, Biffle captured 17 races, including nine in 1999, earning a runner-up spot in the points standings. Biffle earned the circuit title in 2000, propelled by five wins among 18 top-five finishes.

Starting Lineup for NASCAR Truck Series’ Love’s RV Stop 225   

Here is a look at the lineup for Sunday’s NASCAR Truck Series’ Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway: 

Starting Position, Driver, Car No., Team

  • 1, William Sawalich, 1, TRICON Garage  
  • 2, Ben Rhodes, 99, ThorSport Racing 
  • 3,  Ty Majeski, 98, ThorSport Racing 
  • 4, Grant Enfinger, 9, CR7 Motorsports 
  • 5, Taylor Gray, 17, TRICON Garage 
  • 6, Chase Purdy, 77, Spire Motorsports 
  • 7, Tyler Ankrum, 18, McAnally Hilgemann Racing 
  • 8, Matt Mills, 42, Niece Motorsports   
  • 9, Corey Heim, 11, TRICON Garage  
  • 10, Jake Garcia, 13, ThorSport Racing  
  • 11, Nicholas Sanchez, 2, Rev Racing  
  • 12, Connor Zilisch, 7, Spire Motorsports  
  • 13, Rajah Caruth, 71, Spire Motorsports 
  • 14, Dean Thompson, 5, TRICON Garage  
  • 15, Christian Eckes, 19, McAnally Hilgemann Racing  
  • 16, Lawless Alan, 33, Reaume Brothers Racing  
  • 17, Matt Crafton, 88, ThorSport Racing 
  • 18, Kaden Honeycutt, 45, Niece Motorsports  
  • 19, Bret Holmes, 32, Bret Holmes Racing 
  • 20, Spencer Boyd, 76, Freedom Racing Enterprises  
  • 21, Clay Greenfield, 95, GK Racing  
  • 22, Ryan Reed, 91, McAnally Hilgemann Racing  
  • 23, Stefan Parson, 75, Henderson Motorsports 
  • 24, Bryan Dauzat, 28, FDNY Racing  
  • 25, Cory Roper, 04, Roper Racing  
  • 26, Stewart Friesen, 52, Halmar Friesen Racing 
  • 27, Jason M. White, 22, Reaume Brothers Racing  
  • 28, Danny Bohn, 44, Niece Motorsports 
  • 29, Mason Maggio, 21, Floridian Motorsports 
  • 30, Dawson Sutton, 25, Rackley W.A.R.  
  • 31, Norm Benning, 6, Norm Benning Racing  
  • 32, Bayley Currey, 41, Niece Motorsports  
  • 33, Layne Riggs, 38, Front Row Motorsports  
  • 34, Tanner Gray, 15, TRICON Garage 
  • 35, Daniel Dye, 43, McAnally Hilgemann Racing  
  • 36, Johnny Sauter, 16, Hattori Racing Enterprises

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Author photo
Jeff Hawkins
Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

Get to know Jeff Hawkins better
Author photo
Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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