NASCAR Truck Series: How did Raphael Lessard Win at Talladega Against All Odds

The Gander & RV Truck Race was a chaotic affair with a number of ‘Big Ones’ at the Talladega Speedway. In the end, Raphael Lessard triumphed after an intense battle with Stewart Friesen.

During the final lap, Friesen got turned and triggered another wreck. As a result, Lessard was left fending off Trevor Bayne, though he got a helping hand from Ben Rhodes. In the end, the race finished under caution and Lessard took his maiden victory.

“Oh my gosh, that was awesome,” Lessard crowed. “First of all, I just want to thank everyone at home, my team Kyle Busch Motorsports. I can’t believe it. It’s just my second superspeedway race.

“To get my first Truck series win here is amazing. I don’t know who was behind me but he gave me a heck of a push. I can’t thank him enough. He pushed me as hard as I could and I was just along for the ride.”

What did Raphael Lessard say?

“It’s a crazy year to be the first time moving from home and my family’s in Quebec, Canada,” he said. “I haven’t seen them in a while and I want to say to everyone. I needed that. We’ve had a tough season but this one feels really good.”

Coming back to the race itself, Trevor Bayne ended his race in second place, with the caution foiling his chances. Meanwhile, Chandler Smith, Ben Rhodes, and Codie Rohrbaugh rounded out the Top-5.

Admittedly, Zane Smith barely squeaked into the Playoffs after an early crash. As a result, he was reduced to a nervous spectator. However, Christian Eckes and Todd Gilliland were not so lucky and got eliminated from the competition.

Rhodes, Matt Crafton, Brett Moffitt, Sheldon Creed, Grant Enfinger, Tyler Ankrum, Austin Hill, and Zane Smith, all advanced.

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