NASCAR Truck - Richmond

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series brings competitive short-track racing to Richmond Raceway in Virginia. This 2026 edition features the series' third-tier national touring competition on one of NASCAR's most challenging D-shaped ovals. Richmond International Raceway hosts the truck series for close-quarters racing action that tests driver skill and truck performance on the three-quarter-mile circuit.

Richmond Raceway Circuit Details

Richmond Raceway sits in Henrico County, Virginia, and measures 0.75 miles (1.21 km) in length. The track features a distinctive D-shaped oval configuration that creates unique racing conditions. The turns carry 14 degrees of banking, while the frontstretch and backstretch have 8 degrees of banking. This layout demands precise driving and strategic racing lines through the corners.

Race Format and Competition Structure

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series follows a standard event format that includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race. The series divides races into stages, with points awarded at predetermined intervals throughout each event. This stage racing format creates multiple competition points within a single race. The series operates a playoff system where regular season performance determines championship eligibility.

Participants and Teams

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field includes veterans and rising drivers advancing their NASCAR careers. Teams compete with trucks from three manufacturers: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra. Ram Trucks returns to the series for the 2026 season, adding a fourth manufacturer to the competition. Cup Series and Xfinity Series drivers sometimes enter truck series races for additional track time. The series serves as a development platform for NASCAR talent.

Technical Specifications

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series vehicles follow standardized specifications to ensure fair competition across all teams.

Engine and Powertrain

All trucks use a 6.2-liter (376 cubic inch) Chevrolet LSX NT1 crate pushrod V8 engine manufactured by Ilmor. These spec engines produce approximately 650 to 700 horsepower under normal racing conditions. On superspeedways, output restricts to 450 horsepower. A 4-speed manual transmission handles power delivery.

Chassis and Dimensions

Trucks feature a steel tube frame with a safety roll cage meeting NASCAR safety standards. The minimum weight stands at 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg), including driver and fuel. The wheelbase measures approximately 124 inches (315 cm), with a width of 76.5 inches (194 cm). Trucks reach about 203 inches (516 cm) in length and 60 inches (152 cm) in height.

Fuel and Suspension

Sunoco provides the official fuel, which blends 85% unleaded gasoline with 15% Sunoco Green Ethanol E15. The front suspension allows both coil-binding and conventional-style setups, giving teams flexibility in chassis tuning. Teams can adjust grill openings with tape to manage aerodynamic drag, downforce, and engine cooling.

Unique Technical Elements

NASCAR does not permit speedometers or pit speed limiters in the trucks. Drivers manage pit road speed by monitoring RPMs in a specific gear, adding a skill element to pit strategy.

NASCAR Truck Series History at Richmond

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series launched in 1995 as the SuperTruck Series. Craftsman returned as title sponsor in 2023, bringing back the series' original name. The series has established a strong history at Richmond Raceway, delivering competitive short-track racing action. The D-shaped oval configuration often produces close racing and strategic battles throughout the field.

Toyota made its NASCAR debut in the Truck Series in 2004, becoming the first foreign nameplate to race in NASCAR's modern era. The series continues to showcase the popularity of pickup trucks in American motorsports while developing the next generation of NASCAR drivers.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond International Raceway promises competitive action on this challenging short track. The combination of Richmond's unique layout and the truck series' competitive field creates compelling racing for fans following the series.