Despite missing Truck Series playoffs, Layne Riggs has reasons for optimism

If you've ever wondered how heartbreaking sports can be, look no further than Layne Riggs' result in Saturday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond.

Riggs entered the regular-season finale race needing a win to clinch a playoff berth and after running inside the top five all night, it looked to be a possibility on a late restart.

After a four-wide dogfight for the lead, however, it was Ty Majeski who took the lead and drove off, leaving Riggs to scrap and claw to remain in the top five.

While the 22-year-old did bring home his No. 38 truck in fifth place, the sting of being four spots short of a postseason appearance won't go away any time soon.

While it's true that Riggs had 15 races before Saturday to be in a better position to make the playoffs, bad luck seemed to plague the No. 38 team all season long. Riggs only completed 13 laps of the season-opener at Daytona before being involved in a crash and at Atlanta and Texas, incidents out of Riggs' control relegated him to the back of the pack.

Short tracks such as Bristol, Richmond, IRP and North Wilkesboro seemed to be Riggs' safe haven, however, as over the last eight races, he's put together four top-five efforts — all at tracks 1.25 miles in length or shorter.

Despite a charge over the past few races, Riggs' rough start to the season is ultimately what doomed him in his quest to make the playoffs. With three short tracks residing over the final seven races of the season, however, don't be surprised if the No. 38 truck is in contention for a race win. Riggs may not be a part of the postseason field, but the building blocks have been laid for a breakout 2025 season.