Home/NASCAR

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

After a wild and thrilling race at Phoenix Raceway, ThorSport Racing’s Ben Rhodes became a 2-time Truck Series champion, edging out veteran Grant Enfinger to cement his legacy in NASCAR halls. The scene was electric for Rhodes, who became the 5th driver to rack up multiple Truck Series titles, as he stood on the victory lane, sharing his thoughts about winning it in overtime in what was a dramatic race.

The triple overtime, the frantic pace, the shifter troubles, and the GMS Racing driver could not hold off the #99 Ford as it zoomed across the finish line for an emphatic finish, clinching the title.

Ben Rhodes edges out Grant Enfinger, clinching the title in a wild race in Phoenix

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

26-year-old Ben Rhodes of Ford Performance did the impossible when he edged out seasoned veteran Grant Enfinger and his Chevy in the closing laps of a thrilling race to claim his 2nd Truck Series championship. The race was in fact a nail-biter as fans watched the action unfold into a dramatic episode with the field throwing caution to the wind to go bonkers, beating and banging each other for a solid finish.

Narrowly escaping an early elimination in the round of 16, Rhodes showed exceptional speed when it mattered the most. While he scrapped past the first rounder, managing to stay alive, the #99 driver and his team capitalized on the round of 8, racking up 3 top-10 finishes to secure his place in the final 4.

 

While the race-tested most of the drivers, with many into championship prospects like Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar wrecked out, Rhodes maintained his composure and soldiered on until the last minute to clear off the #23 Chevy of Enfinger to the 6th spot, finishing 5th to win his 2nd title.

WATCH THIS STORY: A new dawn for Stewart-Haas Racing: Cole Custer’s triumphant return 

Consequently, after making history, Rhodes said, “It’s just so awesome man. To go 25 laps into overtime you know what that feels like, almost lose it 3 times, look at the front of the truck, its crazy,” sharing his delight to be able to repeat his 2021 success and add another title under his belt. 

“Hats off to him!” Rhodes gives props to Enfinger following his emphatic win

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

“Rest in Peace”: Joe Gibbs Racing Member’s Unfortunate Passing Leaves NASCAR Community Devastated

NASCAR Lawsuit: Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Journey Under Jeopardy With the France Family Going on Attack Mode

Disappointed Alex Bowman Finds a Silver Lining After Hendrick Motorsports “Embarrassed” at Charlotte Roval

Flabbergasted Dale Earnhardt Jr. Unearths Rick Hendrick’s ‘Obvious Mistake’ That Ruined Alex Bowman’s Championship Hopes

“I Was Being Ripped in Two”- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tears Into NASCAR’s ‘Integrity’ After Frustrating Call Robs Xfinity Star

Grant Enfinger is arguably one of the best drivers on the current Truck Series roster. The veteran proved just that when he chased down the #99 driver. The GMS Racing driver even came inches close to the Ford and decided to let go instead of bumping the younger driver off and picking up the win.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Not only did Enfinger show true class in the chaotic race but he also earned praise from Rhodes. Following his win, Rhodes mentioned the #23 driver’s class act in his post-race interview. He said, “It’s crazy I didn’t think we were going to make it, I thought we were going to pop a tire, I thought anything that could go wrong was going to go wrong so, Grant almost got me, hats off to him. He ran a great race, I wouldn’t want to race against anybody else for the championship, he raced me clean and I respect the hell out of him for it.”