Grant Enfinger Claims Second Consecutive Playoff Win in Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Veteran driver Grant Enfinger secured a crucial victory in Saturday’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, capturing his second straight NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff win. A smart pit strategy and steady racing under pressure gave Enfinger an edge as other contenders fell short on fuel in the final laps.
Key Points:
- Early Race Obstacles: Enfinger’s No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet took damage in an early restart. Despite a cut tire and an unexpected pit stop, the team adjusted with an alternative strategy, pitting earlier on lap 80, while other leaders waited until lap 100.
- Fuel Strategy Success: Enfinger’s crew chief, Jeff Stankiewicz, managed the fuel strategy, enabling Enfinger to hold off competitors and save fuel, finishing 17.5 seconds ahead of Ty Majeski.
- Victory Seals Momentum: “At the end of the day, Jeff just had the best truck out here,” Enfinger said post-race. “Our car was really fast… Jeff did a good job managing me with the tires and then managing me with the fuel.”
- Playoff Race Impact: With Enfinger’s win, two drivers will advance to the final Championship Four based on points, heading into next week’s decisive race at Martinsville.
- Top Finishers: Ty Majeski finished second, while Connor Mosack achieved a career-best third. Corey Heim, despite leading a race-high 68 laps, took fourth and remains the top seed in the Playoffs standings, 49 points above fifth place.
Enfinger on Momentum:
- “We’ve had potential all year,” Enfinger continued. “Maybe it’s just time we get our momentum now.”
Playoff Standings:
- Corey Heim holds a 49-point lead, Christian Eckes is 38 points above the cutoff, and Majeski has a 22-point cushion. Rajah Caruth, the first driver below the Playoff line, trails by 22 points.
Race Recap:
- Average Speed: 119.15 mph
- Margin of Victory: 17.516 seconds
- 3 Cautions for 19 laps, with 9 lead changes among 5 drivers
- Stage 1 Top Ten: 11, 45, 98, 17, 19, 9, 7, 2, 71, 5
What’s Next: The Truck Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the final Playoff race before the Championship Four. Catch the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 at 6 p.m. ET Friday (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).