2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Four Underrated Drivers Poised to Shake Up the Field
As the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series approaches, big changes are on the horizon. With a reshuffled grid and fresh talent emerging, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Among the many storylines, four underrated drivers could surprise the field and contend for key playoff positions.
Layne Riggs – No. 38 Ford F-150, Front Row Motorsports
After a rocky start to his 2024 rookie campaign, Layne Riggs and the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports team found their groove late in the season. Riggs broke through with back-to-back wins at Milwaukee and Bristol, showcasing his raw talent and potential. Had he made the playoffs, Riggs could have been a legitimate championship contender.
Now, with a full season under his belt and momentum on his side, Riggs looks primed for a breakout year. “With the experience I’ve gained and the confidence we’ve built as a team, I think we’re ready to fight for a spot in the Championship 4 at Phoenix,” Riggs said.
Kaden Honeycutt – No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado, Niece Motorsports
Kaden Honeycutt may not have started the 2024 season as a full-time competitor, but his impressive performances over a 14-race part-time schedule made waves in the garage. Signing with Niece Motorsports for 2025, the 21-year-old looks to build on standout results, including two fourth-place finishes at Kansas in May and September, along with four additional top-10s.
Honeycutt’s potential is undeniable, but the key will be learning on the fly. Niece Motorsports, a team eager to reclaim its winning form, has high hopes. “We’ve seen flashes of what Kaden can do,” a team representative noted. “If he keeps progressing, don’t count him out for a playoff berth.”
Daniel Hemric – No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
A familiar name enters the fold as Daniel Hemric takes the wheel of the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR). While Hemric brings an impressive résumé—including an Xfinity Series championship and two full Cup Series seasons—his career has stalled since his title-clinching win at Phoenix in 2021.
Now, Hemric faces a crucial year to rebuild his path back to NASCAR’s top tier. Expectations are sky-high for the MHR No. 19 truck, which Christian Eckes piloted to a Championship 4 appearance in 2024. Hemric knows the stakes: “This is about proving myself again and showing that I belong at the top level,” he said. Look for Hemric to lead a veteran charge and potentially bring the No. 19 truck back to championship contention.
Dawson Sutton – No. 26 Chevrolet Silverado, Rackley W.A.R.
At just 18 years old, Dawson Sutton is already turning heads. After stepping in for Rackley W.A.R. late in the 2024 season—following the team’s split with Ty Dillon—Sutton wasted no time showcasing his talent. In only his third Truck Series start at Kansas, Sutton qualified fifth and finished fifth, an impressive feat for a rookie.
While some may label Sutton’s rise as a result of team connections—his father, Curtis Sutton, is a team partner—his performance speaks for itself. With an average finish of 18.4 in seven races, Sutton has proven he can hold his own. Though Rackley W.A.R. isn’t among the fastest teams on the track, the organization knows how to compete. Matt DiBenedetto previously took the team to victory lane and the playoffs, showing what’s possible.
“Sutton is a wildcard for Rookie of the Year honors,” one analyst noted. “He may not be a title contender, but don’t underestimate what he’s capable of in 2025.”
With the 31st season of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ready to deliver surprises, keep an eye on these four drivers as they look to disrupt the standings and cement their place among the series’ rising stars.
