Heartbreaking ending for Tyler Reif comes in final chicane to Truck Series race at Coronado
Tyler Reif was so close to scoring his first victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in only his seventh career start. But unfortunately, he cut the final chicane in between turns 15 and 16 coming to the checkered flag.
Layne Riggs got passed him for his fourth of the season. Reif came across the line in seventh, but received a 30 second penalty and finished 19th after stopping past the chicane.
Reif drove the No. 42 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports to a strong run all day and scored points at the end of both stages. He finished 10th in stage 1 and sixth in stage 2.
Throughout the final stage, Reif was running just outside the top 10 but climbed through the field and made it up to sixth before Tyler Ankrum brought out the caution and red flag with four laps to go.
On the restart, Reif would advance up to fourth before the caution came out again forcing overtime.
On overtime, Reif avoided contact between leaders Chandler Smith and Kaden Honeycutt to slot into a battle for the win between him, Riggs and Daniel Hemric.
As Riggs and Hemric battled hard, Reif took advantage and broke into the battle. He took the lead from Hemric after almost getting spun out coming into the final chicane and led the field to the white flag.
With a tire rub, Reif tried to pull away but Riggs quickly took second from Hemric and chased him down. Reif had Riggs right behind him going into the final chicane but went in too hard with all the pressure from behind.
On the Fox Sports One broadcast, Reif said, “My mistake, its very unfortunate that I did that and I don’t know how many more chances I’ll have like this but I’m sure there’ll be more, and I’m gonna make sure to not make that mistake again.”
Reif was driving a special camo scheme carrying the Foundation for Pops charity which is owned by Niece co-owner Josh Morris. The organization’s current president Lakesha Hancock was at the track cheering on the No. 42 truck.
Al Niece who founded Niece and sold the team to Morris and Greg Fowler last year, was at the track with a special connection to Naval Base Coronado. Niece who is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran was stationed at Coronado during the Vietnam War.
Niece would comfort Reif on pit road after the race. Reif also received consoling from NASCAR Cup Series driver and former Niece employed driver Carson Hocevar.
Reif may not have won the race, but he definitely will be on the radars of teams who may want to sign the 19-year-old talent from Las Vegas.
MORE:
Discover more from The Racing Experts
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
