TALLADEGA, Ala. (WPRI) — Seekonk native and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Gio Ruggiero earned his first career win this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.
The 19-year-old isn’t in the playoffs, but he proved himself at the end of Friday’s race.
Ruggiero took the lead with two laps remaining in regulation after then-leaders Ben Rhodes and rookie Luke Fenhaus made contact and spun out. He was able to keep his spot in a two-lap overtime duel where his No. 17 Toyota won by .059 seconds.
Trackside Northeast: Craftsman Truck Series driver Gio Ruggiero
He had a strong weekend overall, winning pole position and leading a race-best 37 of 90 laps.
“Super thankful all the guys on this 17 truck, they worked their butts off today and definitely brought the best piece today,” Ruggiero said. “We showed it in qualifying and throughout the race there that we had the fastest piece. Thanks to Toyota and everybody who supports me. Great to win a race with my mom and dad here.”
Ruggiero is the seventh first-time winner in 20 Truck races at Talladega.
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