Talladega Gives Matt Crafton Larger Point Lead, Shakes Up Standings

Talladega seemed like any other race on the circuit for NCWTS point leader Matt Crafton as he added to his impressive point lead. The 37-year-old’s lead was extended to 57 points over 2nd place Ty Dillion at the end of Satruday’s Fred’s 250 presented by Coca-Cola.

James Buescher had high hopes riding into Talladega Saturday, but those hopes died down after a crash on the backstretch with Ron Hornaday. James fell to 3rd in the point standings and sits a devastating 58 points behind Crafton after finishing in the 26th positon.

Ty Dillion came home in the 14th spot after a horrible crash coming to the checkers.  Dillion moved to 2nd in the standings ahead of James Buescher.

Johnny Sauter survived the carnage on the front stretch and wound up the victor for the first time in his career at Talladega. Sauter moved up to 6th in points, hoping to crack the top five so he will be featured at the season-ending awards banquet. The win marked Johnny’s 9th career NCWTS victory.

Jeb Burton was involved in an incident with Clay Greenfield that would eventually give Burton a long wait in the garage. Burton stays 4th in points despite finishing 18th in his Chevrolet. He is also looking to stay inside the top five for the banquet.

Point Standings after Fred’s 250 at Talladega (Four Races Remaining)

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1. Matt Crafton

2. Ty Dillon -57

3. James Buescher -58

4. Jeb Burton -82

5. Miguel Paludo -88

6. Johnny Sauter -92

7. Ryan Blaney -104

8. Timothy Peters  -106

9. Darrell Wallace Jr. -114

10. Brendan Gaughan -127

Marshall Gabell