Craftsman Truck Series driver Layne Riggs is one of the top NASCAR prospects right now, viewed by many in the industry as a future race-winner in the Cup Series. He’s been dominant in Trucks in the past two seasons, but it appears he’ll be waiting a bit for a Cup ride.
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported that, as of now, it appears the “most likely” opportunity for Riggs to drive full-time in the Cup Series is with Front Row Motorsports. While some might believe he’s ready for a chance in the Next Gen car right now, it “appears” that 2028 will be when Riggs gets a full-time Cup ride with Front Row.
Related: Layne Riggs Addresses Future in Cup Serires
It’s an unfortunate outcome for the 24-year-old driver. Last year, he finished fifth in the Truck Series in points (2297) with the second-most wins (three), top-fives (12) and the second-best average finishing position (9.1) among full-time drivers. Once Corey Heim got moved into split duties at multiple levels for the 2026 season, it put Riggs in a position to be the best Truck Series driver in 2026.
He has done just that. Through 16 races this season, Riggs leads the Truck Series in wins (five) and he is second in both top-10s (10), top-fives (nine) and average finishing position (9.9). There is really nothing left for him to prove at this level, outside of winning a Truck Series championship and he is favored to do that this year.
Unfortunately for Riggs, Front Row Motorsports has really left him with no other alternatives in the Cup Series and his path to a promotion is blocked. This summer, Todd Gilliland received a contract extension and Front Row effectively announced that Noah Gragson will return to the No. 4 car next season. With Zane Smith also under contract next year, all three full-time Cup rides with FRM are taken.
It’s worth at least noting the specific language used in Pockrass’ reporting. He said that 2028 will likely be Riggs “first full season” in Cup. That leaves the door open to Riggs running part-time in 2027, so there could be a chance he gets a few opportunities next season to gain experience in the Next Gen car.
For now, Riggs will be focused on bringing home a Truck Series championship for Front Row Motorsports later this fall. Given how outstanding he’s been this year, it seems very doable that he could overtake the likes of Kevin Harvick (14 wins) and Matt Crafton (15 wins) next season, climbing his way up the all-time leaderboard for Truck wins.
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