In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at EchoPark Speedway on February 21, Ben Rhodes showcased dominance by leading 70 of the 125 laps before rain forced NASCAR to end the event early. Rhodes’ strong performance highlighted his potential for a triumphant Ben Rhodes NASCAR comeback despite the race’s unpredictable nature at drafting tracks, where timing and positioning often outweigh sheer speed.
However, Rhodes encountered a crucial issue near the end of the second stage when his No. 99 ThorSport Racing truck ran out of fuel on the backstretch, causing him to lose his place among the leaders and costing him valuable stage points. This unexpected turn left Rhodes needing a significant rally to recover his position in the race.
Race Dynamics Shift as Rhodes Faces Fuel Problem
As the second stage neared completion, Rhodes’ truck suddenly slowed, and he fell behind the pack due to running out of gas. This problem opened the door for Stewart Friesen to claim the Stage 2 win, following Corey Heim‘s victory in Stage 1. The incident underscored how critical fuel management and timing are in NASCAR’s drafting-style races, where even dominant performances can be disrupted by small mistakes or miscalculations.
Late-Race Opportunity Sparks Rhodes’ Charge
Ben Rhodes’ fortunes changed dramatically after a crash on lap 100 involving ThorSport teammate Cole Butcher and Dawson Sutton, which granted Rhodes the free pass, allowing him to regain a lap. This development offered Rhodes a fresh chance to mount a comeback despite the earlier setback.
Rhodes capitalized on this opportunity, aggressively advancing through the field with his Ford, quickly closing the gap on the leaders. Although his rally was swift and intense, Rhodes fell just short of a podium finish and ended the race in fourth place, highlighting both his resilience and the narrow margins that define success in NASCAR.
Reflections on a Near Victory and Strong Team Performance
Following the race, Rhodes acknowledged the unexpected nature of running out of fuel, explaining,
“didn’t expect it at all, and you can’t save anything while leading”
, reflecting on how the missed fuel gamble impacted his stage points and overall race outcome.
Despite missing out on his first win since 2023, Rhodes remained encouraged by his team’s efforts and the truck’s performance. He stated,
“I think it speaks volumes of the team, especially here”
, emphasizing the team’s preparation without practice sessions and the reliable speed they brought to EchoPark Speedway.
He added insights about adapting to new equipment, noting,
“The truck was really solid, this is my first race with this new intermediate style body. We got some handling things we can work on with that and can be a little more aggressive.”
Kyle Busch Controls Final Laps to Secure Third Consecutive Win at Atlanta
The race winner Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and 68-time Truck Series winner, drew attention for his tactical command of both the inside and outside lanes late in the race. Rhodes remarked on Busch’s skill, saying,
“Unless you can clear them and hold them, you’re a bit of a sitting duck. Kyle was really good about managing that run and doing that move. I knew that’s what he was going to do and was trying to just ride behind him and didn’t expect the bottom to form back up.”
Looking Ahead: Rhodes Targets Recovery in Upcoming Street Course Event
Although Rhodes narrowly missed adding another win to his record at Atlanta, his performance demonstrated the potential for a strong season ahead. The two-time Truck Series champion will seek to bounce back when the series visits St. Petersburg for the first Truck Series street course race. This new challenge presents an opportunity for Rhodes and ThorSport Racing to build on their promising speed and adapt to unique racing conditions.
With momentum from his near victory, Rhodes is positioned to remain a contender as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season progresses and teams continue refining their strategies and equipment in pursuit of victory lanes and championship points.
https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/2025310953370517575
Rhodes led 70 laps prior to running out of fuel right before the stage 2 end. That's the 4th most laps he's ever led in a race. What could've been one of his most dominant days might've just gotten away from him.#NASCAR https://t.co/j9tIZzdGeB
— Michael Massie (@m_massie22) February 21, 2026
