Sometimes the biggest wins come from the smallest openings. That was the story Friday night at Daytona International Speedway when Chandler Smith went from mid-pack to victory lane in a matter of seconds to win the Fresh From Florida 250.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener had everything fans expect from Daytona. There were big names, close calls, hard crashes, and a finish decided by inches. When the checkered flag flew, Smith had only one thing on his mind. He wanted to thank his teammate, Ty Majeski, whose push helped create the winning move.

Smith entered the final lap sitting sixth as the leaders raced through Turn 3. Up front, drivers fought for position, trying to block and protect the lead. In the middle of the chaos, a lane opened at the bottom of the track. Smith took it without hesitation. Majeski stayed locked to his rear bumper, pushing hard as they charged toward the finish line. In a flash, Smith went from chasing to winning, crossing the stripe just 0.044 seconds ahead of Giovanni Ruggiero. 

The win was not just about speed. It was about trust and timing. Superspeedway racing depends on teamwork as much as talent. Smith knew the moment only worked because Majeski stayed committed instead of jumping out of line to chase the win himself. That kind of teamwork is rare when everyone is fighting for the same trophy.

Behind Smith, the race was filled with strong runs and missed chances. Ruggiero finished second again in the Daytona opener, showing he is becoming a real threat at drafting tracks. Christian Eckes took third, while Majeski and John Hunter Nemechek rounded out the top five. The final laps showed just how tight the competition is in this series. No one could relax until the finish line.

The event was loaded with star power. Tony Stewart returned to NASCAR action for the first time since 2016, bringing extra attention to the race. Travis Pastrana and internet personality Cleetus McFarland also joined the field, giving fans plenty to watch beyond the regular Truck Series names. 

Not every story ended well. McFarland’s debut ended early after a spin sent his truck into the wall and across the infield grass. Stewart’s return also ended sooner than expected after getting caught in a frontstretch crash that sent his truck to the garage. Daytona often rewards patience, but it can punish drivers just as quickly.

The numbers behind the race explain why it felt so wild. There were 32 lead changes among 12 different drivers and six cautions that slowed the field for 31 laps. Drivers like Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, and Justin Haley each led 20 laps but still missed the top ten, proving that leading at Daytona does not guarantee anything.

One of the biggest surprises came from the return of Ram trucks to NASCAR competition for the first time since 2012. Rookie Brenden “Butterbean” Queen finished seventh, making him the highest Ram driver in the field and giving the manufacturer a strong start to its comeback. 

When the race ended, the image that stuck was simple. Smith climbing from his truck, shouting thanks to Majeski, knowing the win came from teamwork at the exact right moment. It was a reminder that superspeedway racing is never over until the final push.

The Truck Series opened its season with drama, speed, and plenty of unpredictability. If Friday night is any sign, this year could be one of the most competitive yet. And for Chandler Smith, the season already has a defining moment, one built on trust, timing, and a lane that opened just wide enough to change everything.

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images