From ThorSport Racing PR –
Ben Rhodes Holds Off Christopher Bell to Claim First Truck Series Win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Team Information:
Started: 6th
Stage 1: 6th
Stage 2: 1st
Finished: 1st
Laps: 146/146
Laps Led: 20
Status: Running
Driver Points: 2nd
Owner Points: 10th
How did you hold off Christopher Bell for your first career NCWTS win?
“I have no idea. I used every play in my playbook. I knew if I could keep him close to me, he couldn’t break the bubble. Every time he tried to break the bubble and get far away, he’d suck right up to the 27 Safelite Toyota Tundra and be right there on our bumper. So I had to keep him at a distance, and that was the most nervous thing I think I’ve ever done in my life.”
How can you describe the emotion of your team with this win?
“There was uncontrollable screaming on the radio. I don’t even know. This is the biggest high of my life. This is crazy. I just never thought it would come after so many things went wrong, and now it did and we’re here.”
What does this win mean to you?
“I never thought it would come. It seemed like every time we were there something would happen and our 27 Safelite Toyota Tundra was on point tonight. We might not have been the fastest truck, but we pulled it off at the end, and it matters. We’re in the round of six now and we are going to Homestead. This team just showed that it deserves to be in the Playoffs after it’s been so close.”
What was going through your mind on the last restart?
“I just thought I was going to be pushing the guy in front of me, and I was trying to do everything I could to get points and have a good day. Our tires started smoking and those guys had contact – playing rough – and they made the opportunity, and we took it. That’s all our plan has been, ever since we had to fight for points to get into the Playoffs. Our plan was to capitalize on the opportunity they gave us, and they gave us a big opportunity tonight.”
Notes:
- Rhodes won the 21st Annual Las Vegas 350, his first win in 45 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts.
- The Safelite driver finished sixth in Stage 1, and won Stage 2, in NASCAR’s unique three-round qualifying at LVMS.
- The ThorSport Racing driver locked himself into the second Round of 6 in the NCWTS Playoffs following Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, October 14.
- In 18 starts this season, Rhodes has one pole (Pocono), one win (Las Vegas), and has led 160 laps en route to six top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.
- In 45 NCWTS starts, Rhodes has two poles, one win, and has led 215 laps en route to nine top-five, and 19 top-10 finishes.