News Summary
Front Row Motorsports has partnered with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to sponsor Layne Riggs’ No. 34 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The UNC Charlotte branding will appear on Riggs’ truck during key races at North Wilkesboro and Charlotte Motor Speedways. Riggs, a mechanical engineering graduate, aims to leverage his education in racing, showcasing the intersection of academia and motorsports. This partnership not only highlights Riggs’ achievements but also the university’s focus on practical skills in real-world applications.
CONCORD, NC – Front Row Motorsports has officially partnered with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to sponsor Layne Riggs’ No. 34 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The partnership will see UNC Charlotte branding prominently displayed on Riggs’ truck during key races, specifically at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2025, and Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 23, 2025.
Layne Riggs, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNC Charlotte in 2024, made his rookie debut in the Truck Series the same year, where he was honored with NASCAR’s Truck Series Rookie of the Year title. Currently, Riggs ranks eighth in the Driver Championship points standings, demonstrating his growing presence in the series.
In his recent outing at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Riggs secured a commendable second-place finish and expressed his commitment to achieving a victory for his alma mater during the upcoming race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The North Carolina Education Lottery 200, where Riggs will compete, consists of 134 laps and is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET, with broadcasts available on FS1 and NASCAR Racing Network Radio.
Engineering Meets Racing
The sponsorship reflects the significant connection between Riggs’ education and his racing career. Riggs emphasizes the importance of his mechanical engineering background, which he applies frequently during races. This partnership enables a unique synergy, as many crew members and engineers on the Front Row Motorsports team also possess engineering qualifications, allowing for an integrated approach to performance on the track.
Harish Cherukuri, the Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering at UNC Charlotte, endorses Riggs as a prime example of how engineering principles can successfully intersect with the world of motorsports. His rapid progress in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series further illustrates the impact of education on professional success in competitive arenas.
About UNC Charlotte and the Racing Event
UNC Charlotte is a distinguished public research university recognized for its commitment to community engagement and innovation. It serves a diverse student body of over 31,000 students and offers robust programs aimed at fostering practical skill sets, such as engineering and technology, that have real-world applications.
The upcoming race at Charlotte Motor Speedway promises to be exciting, with notable competitors, including Chandler Smith, who has previously won races and currently ranks second in Driver Championship points. His performances in the series have garnered attention as he aims to maintain his competitive edge against rising talents like Riggs.
This collaboration between Front Row Motorsports and UNC Charlotte not only highlights the value of education in professional sports but also showcases the potential paths that students can take, with Riggs serving as an inspiration to future engineers and racing enthusiasts alike. As the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series unfolds, fans can look forward to the continued journey of Layne Riggs and the presence of UNC Charlotte on the racetrack.
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Additional Resources
- Speed Sport: UNC Charlotte Supports Graduate Layne Riggs
- NASCAR: 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Entry List for Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Speedway Media: Front Row Motorsports Charlotte Motor Speedway NCTS Race Advance
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte 49ers Article
- Hot Rod: UNC Charlotte Motorsports Program
- Wikipedia: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
- Google Search: NASCAR 2025
- Google Scholar: Layne Riggs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- Google News: Layne Riggs Charlotte Motor Speedway
