The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is set to ignite, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the sport. With a dynamic driver lineup, new tracks on the schedule, and an altered postseason format, this year promises to be a thrilling journey from start to finish. As the season opener approaches on February 13th at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR.com's John Crane unveils the top 10 drivers poised to make their mark.
- Layne Riggs, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford: After narrowly missing the 2025 title, Riggs is poised for a breakout year. With three wins in 2025 and a recent contract extension, he's ready for redemption and a potential championship.
- Ty Majeski, No. 88 ThorSport Racing Ford: The 2025 runner-up seeks redemption, having gone winless in 2025. His consistency and the new postseason format could bring intrigue, but a victory would be a welcome change.
- Christian Eckes, No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet: Eckes returns to full-time racing, fresh off a successful 2023-24 stint with McAnally-Hilgemann. With nine Truck wins since 2021, he's a strong contender for the championship.
- Kaden Honeycutt, No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota: Honeycutt's versatility in 2025, competing for three teams and two manufacturers, earned him third place in the championship. Taking over the No. 11 machine, he aims to build on its success.
- Chandler Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford: Smith's 2025 season had its ups and downs, but he finished in the top 17 over the first 10 races. Building on this momentum could lead to a strong year.
- Tyler Ankrum, No. 18 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet: Ankrum's 2025 victories, including a winless drought-ending triumph at Rockingham, earned him a playoff berth. Consistency will be key to his success.
- Justin Haley, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Ram: Haley joins the NASCAR fold with Ram, bringing his Cup Series experience. With a strong 2018 full-time Truck season, he's a steady hand for the manufacturer.
- Giovanni Ruggiero, No. 17 Tricon Garage Toyota: Ruggiero's 2025 success, including a win at Talladega and Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors, sets the stage for a promising 2026. Familiarity with the team and track venues could be advantageous.
- Daniel Hemric, No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet: Hemric's 2025 season had its challenges, but a win at Martinsville and postseason appearance highlight his potential. Improvement is key for his second year.
- Grant Enfinger, No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet: Enfinger's consistency over the years is notable, with top-seven finishes in seven of the last eight seasons. However, a winless 2025 season raises questions, and he'll need to bounce back.
