By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
As the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series returns to World Wide Technology Race at Gateway for Friday evening’s CarShield 200 presented by CK Power, this week’s Flashback Friday relives Justin Haley’s first career victory in the series.
The first two stages of the event were relatively quiet, but with 10 laps remaining in the event that all would change.
Noah Gragson held the lead with seven to go but with Todd Gilliland lined up behind Haley, Gilliland pushed Haley hard into turn one causing contact between Gragson and Gilliland.
Advantage, Haley.
Throw in a late race caution due to debris and the result would be an exciting three-lap shootout.
In his 37th start in the series Haley held off Johnny Sauter and a hard-charging Gilliland for his first career victory and fifth win of the season (at the time) for GMS Racing.
“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. Every time you start doubting yourself you get in a situation like this. I’m about to cry man, that was amazing”, said Haley after the race.
“This is amazing. I raced my heart out. That’s what I’ve raced for my whole life”, said Haley.
Fans won’t see Haley go back-to-back at Gateway this season as he now races full time in the No. 11 for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, you can tune into the Camping World 300 from Chicagoland Speedway on June 29th to see if Haley can score his first career win the Xfinity Series.
In 14 starts in the NXS this season, Haley has 1 top-five (Charlotte) and 10 top-ten finishes with 8 laps led. He’ll be coming off a 13th place result at Iowa Speedway where he led for five laps.