Chandler Smith wins Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona

Chandler Smith emerged from obscurity to claim victory in Friday's Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, promptly acknowledging those who helped him succeed.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ty Majeski!" Smith exclaimed after crossing the finish line first in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

In a race featuring stars like four full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers, NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, daredevil Travis Pastrana, and YouTube star Cleetus McFarland, the two Truck Series regulars teamed up to secure a Ford's place in Victory Lane.

Driving the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports F-150, Smith was in sixth place as the lead group entered Turn 3 during the second lap of overtime, with John Hunter Nemechek leading. However, when Nemechek moved up the track to try a late block on Gio Ruggiero, Smith charged through the open bottom lane with a strong push from Majeski.

“He deserves all the credit for our victory in that race, honestly,” Smith said regarding Majeski’s push. “He stayed loyal to a Ford and pushed a Blue Oval to a win.

“I was surprised the 62 (Nemechek) didn’t block it. It was as if the seas literally parted, and the 88 (Majeski) stayed committed to me, and like I said, thank you, thank you, thank you, Ty Majeski. I definitely owe you one for that.”

Ruggiero finished second in his No. 17 Tricon Garage Toyota, just 0.044 seconds behind Smith at the finish line. Christian Eckes took third place, with Majeski and Nemechek almost tied for fourth and fifth.