NASCAR Truck Series driver Ben Rhodes has labeled 2024 as a “not a kind season,” with his worst average finish since 2016 and his lowest number of top-10 finishes in years. Despite a promising start, misfortune struck early, including tire issues at Daytona and Atlanta. A mid-season crew chief swap initially brought promise with four top-seven finishes, but struggles returned as the playoffs neared.
Reflecting on his performance, Rhodes noted a lack of “base speed” in the playoffs, which hampered his title chase. Despite the hurdles, Rhodes is determined to regroup, setting his sights on a return to championship form in 2025.
Rhodes shared that the unexpected crew chief change, swapping his own crew chief Rich Lushes with Doug Randolph from Jake Garcia’s No. 13 team, brought both challenges and brief success. “The swap came out of the blue,” Rhodes explained, yet it initially seemed promising, with strong finishes that built hope for the season turnaround. However, as the playoffs progressed, the momentum slowed, and Rhodes found himself struggling to keep pace.
One of the major hurdles Rhodes identified was the limited practice time NASCAR currently allows. With only 20 minutes on track and minimal opportunities to adjust his truck, Rhodes emphasized that this lack of flexibility left his team “in the dark” and restricted them from adapting to changing track conditions.
Reflecting on previous championships in 2021 and 2023, Rhodes highlighted the importance of “base speed” as a foundation for capitalizing on opportunities, noting that it was missing this season. Without that consistent speed, Rhodes admitted it became nearly impossible to secure the necessary stage points and maintain momentum through the playoffs.
Looking forward, Rhodes expressed hope for a comeback in 2025, noting his belief that his team can still find success. If recent trends hold, the 27-year-old could be set for a strong season next year as he aims for a third championship to add to his record.