For 22-year-old Layne Riggs, racing has always been more than his hobby or occupation.
As the son of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Scott Riggs, going to the race track has been ingrained in the young driver since birth, and this year, Layne finally got his shot — a full-time ride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports.
Years of hard work, determination and perseverance all paid off for the younger Riggs on Aug. 25, where he won his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Milwaukee Mile in dominating fashion.
“It’s pretty crazy that it happened in my rookie season with what we’ve had to go through at the beginning of the year,” Riggs said. “To have really tough runs, a lot of of bad luck, mechanical failures, getting caught up in wrecks … to come back and have a fifth, fifth and a win really means a lot.”
Riggs then described his emotions and thoughts over the race’s final run, emphasizing the weight of the moment.
“I came across the line, I couldn’t even see the track. I was crying in my helmet. So many years of trying and working just to be able to race in the Truck Series, let alone win … it’s like your childhood dreams and desires have finally been fulfilled. There’s nothing to describe it.”
Making the moment even more special was the fact that Riggs’ father, Scott, was able to be at the track to celebrate with his son, though the elder Riggs nearly missed the race entirely.
“He was actually 50-50 on going to the race,” Riggs said. “He’s like, ‘I might not go this weekend.’ I’m really glad he made the decision to come to the racetrack. I couldn’t have imagined it if he wasn’t there. I think he’s only ever missed three races in my career. It was great to have him by my side.”
The win isn’t just the first for Riggs, but for many of his crew members as well. After the departure of Zane Smith from Front Row Motorsports’ No. 38 truck at the end of 2023, the crew that helped Smith win the 2022 Truck Series championship was gone, leaving Riggs a team of fellow rookies.
“I didn’t get left with the perfect team,” Riggs explained. “A lot of people said that the truck has won the championship before, expecting us to go out and win races right off the bat. This was pretty much a new race team. We’re all rookies.”
As the Truck Series heads to Bristol for the 18th race of the 2024 season, Riggs and the No. 38 team are looking for another victory, along with their fourth consecutive top-five finish.
Regardless of what happens over the final six races of the season, however, Riggs’ Milwaukee win stands as a special moment for driver, team and Dad, as well as a shot in the arm going into 2025.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will take on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday night. The green flag will fly shortly after 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
