Here’s a bold statement for you: surviving Talladega Superspeedway is no small feat, and Niece Motorsports proved just that in the Love’s RV Stop 225. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some teams played it safe, others pushed hard, only to face mechanical heartbreak. Let’s dive into the gripping details of how each driver navigated this high-stakes race.
Event Spotlight: Love’s RV Stop 225 (85 laps / 226.1 miles)
Round: 23 of 25 (Playoffs Round of 8)
Track: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
Date & Time: Friday, October 17 | 4:00 PM ET
No. 42 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski
Start: 23rd | Stage 1: 22nd | Stage 2: 23rd | Finish: 19th
Driver Points: 18th | Owner Points: 23rd
The Survival Story: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team didn’t just race—they endured. Starting 23rd, Mills faced an early setback when a driveshaft change forced him to the back of the pack. The team’s strategy? Play it safe and make it to the end. But Talladega had other plans. Late in the race, Mills battled unbearable heat from the pedals, yet he persevered to finish 19th. And this is the part most people miss—despite mechanical struggles, the team emerged with a clean truck, ready for Daytona next year.
Mills’ Take: ‘It was a tough day. The heat was so intense I thought we might have a fire. I had to alternate my feet just to keep going. We wanted to be more aggressive, but survival was the priority.’
About J.F. Electric: With five generations of expertise, J.F. Electric is more than an electrical contractor—it’s a legacy. Specializing in utilities, commercial, industrial, and telecommunications projects, they’ve mastered client needs while fostering strong employee relationships. Explore their services at www.jfelectric.com.
About Utilitra: A woman-owned firm, Utilitra tackles utility and technology challenges with a diverse team of experts. Their adaptive solutions power industries nationwide. Learn more at www.utilitra.com.
No. 44 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andrés Pérez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Start: 22nd | Stage 1: 18th | Stage 2: 18th | Finish: 17th
Driver Points: 16th | Owner Points: 17th
The Almost-Breakthrough: Pérez de Lara showed promise in his Talladega debut, climbing into the top-five early. But a green flag pit stop cost him the pack, and late restarts sealed a 17th-place finish. Here’s the kicker—despite the result, Pérez de Lara is eyeing Martinsville and Phoenix with renewed confidence.
Pérez de Lara’s Reflection: ‘We played it safe, but the last restarts didn’t go our way. Frustrating? Yes. But we’re ready to fight harder.’
About Telcel: Mexico’s telecom giant, Telcel, has been connecting millions for over 30 years with cutting-edge mobile and internet services. Discover more at www.telcel.com.
No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Start: 20th | Stage 1: 22nd | Stage 2: 20th | Finish: 31st
Driver Points: 22nd | Owner Points: 13th
The Mechanical Heartbreak: Currey’s strategy was clear: ride through the chaos and push late. But a snapped driveshaft under caution ended his race prematurely. The real question—could this team have contended for the win if not for the mechanical failure?
Currey’s Perspective: ‘We had the speed and the plan. It’s heartbreaking when something out of your control takes you out. But we’ll be back stronger.’
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Michigan’s fastest-growing company, DQS, crafts custom solutions for businesses while giving back through initiatives like the Foundation for Pops. Learn more at www.dqssolutions.com.
About Niece Motorsports: Since 2016, Niece Motorsports has been a force in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, with nine wins and over 200 top-15 finishes. Founded by Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece, the team operates from an 80,000 sq. ft. facility in Salisbury, NC. Follow their journey at www.niecemotorsports.com or on social media.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect SpeedwayMedia.com’s official stance. Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should teams prioritize survival or aggression at Talladega? Let us know in the comments!
