Strong Daytona Run for Wright Ends in 25th

Venue: Daytona International Speedway

FINISH: 25th

Start: 26th

NCTS Point Standings Position: 23rd

Kris Wright, driver of the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST, opened the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) season Friday night at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) with a disciplined effort in the Fresh From Florida 250. Competing at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, Wright focused on keeping his Chevrolet Silverado RST clean in the tightly packed draft while managing the opening stages of the 100-lap event. He finished Stage 1 in 21st and reported he was comfortable with the balance of the F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet following a two-tire stop and fuel under the stage break.

Stage 2 and the opening portion of the final stage were filled with heavy pack racing and multiple on-track incidents. Wright showcased strong awareness, maneuvering down pit lane to avoid a developing wreck and skillfully navigating around several spinning trucks to keep the No. 81 machine free of significant damage. Crew chief Darren Fraley executed a conservative and calculated strategy centered on staying out of trouble and ensuring the team could make it to the finish on fuel. Strategic tire calls and timely fuel top-offs positioned Wright to be in contention when it mattered most.

As the laps wound down, Wright remained patient, holding a steady line and avoiding late-race chaos as cautions continued to bunch the field. A late yellow set up a NASCAR overtime restart, where the strategy allowed the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST to line up 12th for the final dash to the checkered flag. On the restart, an incident unfolded ahead of Wright, and while attempting to avoid contact, was spun. Wright gathered the truck and continued on to finish 25th.

Kris Write Quote:

“Really unfortunate ending for our F.N.B. Corporation Silverado RST tonight. We hung around the back majority of the race and avoided a lot of the chaos in the pack until about halfway through stage three we started creeping up through the field. I think I restarted 12th there in overtime, but there was that spinning truck in front of me and I had nowhere to go. Hate it for our guys, but we brought the truck home in one piece and learned a lot that we can take going into Atlanta and the rest of the season. Thanks to F.N.B. Corporation and all the guys for all the hard work this weekend, we were so close to coming home with a strong result, but we’ll get back to work and head to Atlanta.”