Chandler Smith arrives at EchoPark Speedway this Saturday, February 21, 2026, seeking to extend his winning streak following a triumph in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Smith’s previous performances on the 1.5-mile drafting track have been strong, highlighted by a fourth-place finish from the pole in 2022 and a fifth-place result in 2025. This weekend, he will pilot the No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150, aiming to capitalize on his early-season success and maintain his position as a series front-runner.
The race, which is the second event in a 25-race schedule, is scheduled for 135 laps at EchoPark Speedway and will be broadcast at 1:30 PM ET on FS1 and SiriusXM channel 90. EchoPark Speedway’s layout favors drivers skilled at drafting, a strength Smith demonstrated at Daytona, making it a promising venue for another competitive finish.
Layne Riggs Comes Prepared to Challenge at EchoPark
Competitor Layne Riggs also heads to EchoPark with confidence after a noteworthy outing in the season opener at Daytona. Though Riggs endured a late-race crash that ended his day prematurely with a 31st-place finish, he impressed by securing a second-place finish in Stage Two and collecting valuable points early on. His experience includes three prior starts at EchoPark Speedway, where he scored a career-best 20th place finish last year after starting 16th. Driving the No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150, Riggs is eager to build on that foundation and challenge the leaders in Saturday’s race.
Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB), a prominent combat sports brand and longtime partner, will support Riggs as he advances in the Truck Series this season. Founded by South Florida’s Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez—who himself launched NASCAR’s first Hispanic racing team—BKB has grown to become the world‘s oldest and largest professional bare knuckle boxing organization, offering extensive broadcast reach across the globe.
Drivers’ Perspectives Ahead of EchoPark Speedway
Chandler Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the weekend at EchoPark Speedway:
“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend, especially coming off a win at Daytona,”
said Smith.
“That victory gave our team a lot of confidence and showed what this No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150 is capable of. Atlanta is another great drafting track, and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going and putting ourselves in position to contend again.”
Likewise, Layne Riggs shared his outlook with optimism:
“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend,”
Riggs said.
“We showed strong speed at Daytona and gained valuable stage points, which gives our team a lot of confidence. Atlanta is a great drafting track, and I’m ready to put our No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 up front and compete for a strong finish.”
Supporting Teams Driving Success on Race Day
Both drivers are backed by experienced Road and Pit Crews, critical for navigating a demanding 135-lap race. Chandler Smith’s team features Crew Chief Jon Leonard, Truck Chief Ron Schutte, and Engineer Roland Kummel, with a pit crew including front tire changer Josh Francos and fueler Anthony Bryarly. Spotter Ryan Blanchard coordinates communications to optimize Smith’s performance on track.
Layne Riggs’ team comprises Crew Chief Dylan Cappello, Truck Chief Brandon Selph, and Engineer Jonathan Coates. His pit personnel includes front tire changer Blake Hickman and fueler Patrick Gaddy, while spotter Josh Williams oversees strategies during the race. Both crews play vital roles in tire management, refueling efficiency, and pit stop execution, elements that will influence the outcome at EchoPark.
Backing by Industry Leaders and Brands Enhances Competitiveness
Chandler Smith’s No. 38 Ford F-150 receives strong backing from QuickTie™, a company specializing in patented structural tie-down systems and framing hardware solutions designed for demanding construction environments. QuickTie’s ongoing partnership with Front Row Motorsports continues to support Smith’s campaign in the Truck Series.
Meanwhile, Layne Riggs benefits from sponsorship by Bare Knuckle Boxing, which has been instrumental in pushing early momentum in his career. The organization boasts a historic legacy in combat sports, merging its global influence with the excitement of NASCAR racing. BKB’s expansion into legalized gambling and international broadcasting—including partnerships with VICE TV, Telemundo Deportes, and TalkSport—bolsters its profile as a powerful and dynamic sponsor in motorsports.
Front Row Motorsports’ Broader Presence in NASCAR
Both Smith and Riggs race for Front Row Motorsports (FRM), a competitive entity with roots dating back to 2004. Founded by Bob Jenkins, FRM fields teams in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, including the No. 34 and No. 38 trucks. The organization boasts notable achievements such as the 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, FRM continues to expand its influence within the racing community.
Race Preview: What Fans Can Expect at EchoPark Speedway
EchoPark Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval challenges drivers with its drafting dynamics, rewarding those skilled at pack racing and strategic positioning. With the season barely underway, maintaining momentum is critical for championship aspirations, and the race presents a key opportunity for drivers like Chandler Smith and Layne Riggs to assert themselves early in the standings. Fans can anticipate intense competition as numerous drivers vie for top spots over 135 laps, while team strategies and pit stop execution will significantly impact race results.
The Broader Impact of EchoPark Speedway’s Upcoming Race
Chandler Smith’s bid for a consecutive victory at EchoPark Speedway underscores his potential as a championship contender in the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. A strong showing here could reinforce his leadership and boost team morale heading into a lengthy calendar of races. Similarly, Layne Riggs’ pursuit of improved results after a challenging Daytona opener reflects the competitive depth within the series and the importance of consistency.
As teams and fans alike focus on Atlanta this weekend, EchoPark Speedway’s race serves as a pivotal moment for drivers to demonstrate their skills on a prominent stage, setting the tone for the remainder of the season. With broadcast coverage available on FS1 and SiriusXM, enthusiasts nationwide will follow every lap, pit stop, and strategic move, further fueling the passion around this evolving NASCAR event.
