NASCAR Truck Series at Phoenix 2014: Full Schedule, Standings and Preview
The Camping World Truck Series might not have a Chase like the Sprint Cup level, but that doesn't mean the points race is any less enthralling. However, it appears just two drivers remain with a realistic shot at a title.
Heading into the final two truck races of the season, Matt Crafton has yet again built a comfortable lead. The veteran collected another top-five finish in Texas and has his sights set on a championship again.
However, Ryan Blaney is still holding strong after finishing just four spots behind Crafton over the weekend. At just 20 years old, Blaney is hoping to mirror the success of Chase Elliott at the Nationwide level and make a run at a title.
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Darrell Wallace is still a contender but has a lot of room to make up on both drivers. Before the trucks roll out in Phoenix, here's a look at the schedule, standings and preview for the Lucas Oil 150.
Race Information
Where: Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, Arizona
When: Friday, Nov. 7
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: Motor Racing Network
| 1 | Matt Crafton | 756 | 2 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 | Ryan Blaney | 733 | 1 | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | Darrell Wallace Jr. | 713 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| 4 | Johnny Sauter | 704 | 1 | 8 | 14 |
| 5 | Timothy Peters | 680 | 1 | 8 | 12 |
| 6 | Joey Coulter | 645 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 7 | German Quiroga Jr. | 636 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 8 | Jeb Burton | 629 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| 9 | Ben Kennedy | 619 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
| 10 | Ron Hornaday Jr. | 526 | 0 | 5 | 10 |
Race Preview
In search of his second straight championship, Crafton has been surging at the right time. A strong start gave way to a few underwhelming starts in the summer, but he has been resurgent late in the year.
Sure, he hasn't won since June, but Crafton's been one of the most dominant drivers on the track. Over the last nine events, Crafton has collected a staggering seven top-five finishes and led 75 laps during that span.
Apparently, the ThorSport Racing driver doesn't just have his sights set on a driver title, as Chris Knight of Catchfence.com passes along:
Heading to Phoenix, Crafton was able to finish inside the top five at the track last fall. If he can find a way to collect another checkered flag, this points race might not even be an afterthought heading into Miami.
The one man who truly has a shot is Blaney, who has been torching the Nationwide and CWTS this year. With five top-10 finishes since his first win of the year in the Chevrolet Silverado 250, Blaney has kept up pace with Crafton.
NASCAR Nationwide noted his recent tear at the higher level:
Along with Wallace, Blaney will need to find a way to beat out Crafton and get some help on the track. Even with his success already this year, nothing is guaranteed for Blaney heading into the penultimate race.
Bringing home a checkered flag at Phoenix would help for either Blaney or Wallace, but they would both still need a poor finish from Crafton. Given his consistent results and history in Arizona, the defending champion might be able to lock up a second title on Friday night.
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