NASCAR Cup Series

Trucks: William Byron Kicks off Chase with a Win at NHMS

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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William Byron proved why he was the top seed in the Truck Chase in 2016, winning the opening race of the playoffs in New Hampshire on Saturday.

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In recent years in the Camping World Truck Series, there may have only been three or four drivers left to contend for the championship. But with the first-ever Chase beginning in 2016, now eight drivers still have a chance to lift the hardware in Homestead. William Byron took a big step on that path on Saturday afternoon, winning the UNOH 175 at New Hampshire.

Byron, who led 161 of 175 laps at the Magic Mile, would hold off teammate and fellow championship contender Christopher Bell for the victory. Byron looked to have the victory easily in hand, but lapped traffic made it more of a race, bringing Bell back into the picture in the closing laps. He would finish 0.446 seconds behind the leader.

Six of the top ten finishers at New Hampshire Motor Speedway were Chase drivers, but not all those in the hunt had good days. Daniel Hemric certainly had the worst day, blowing a tire around Lap 25 that led to a broken brake line and a small fire. He finished 28th on the day, and will have to likely win to advance to the Round of 6.

Here are the full results from the UNOH 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Chase drivers in italics):

Following the opening race of the seven-race Chase for the Truck Series championship, William Byron has locked up his spot in the Round of 6. Here is how the full Chase grid shapes up heading out of the Granite State:

Related Story: Four Predictions for the Chase in the Granite State

The next race for the top truck drivers in the world will come from Sin City. Viva Las Vegas, as the Chase winds into Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the DC Solar 350. Tune in to see all the action next Saturday night, October 1, live on FS1.

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