Gio Ruggiero's First NASCAR Victory
Gio Ruggiero, 19, has achieved his first career victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Ruggiero's win came on Friday, October 17, at Talladega Superspeedway, where he also qualified on pole, won stage two, and led the most laps.
Ruggiero held off a late charge from TRICON Garage teammate Corey Heim to take the win.
- Winner: Gio Ruggiero
- Polesitter: Gio Ruggiero
- Stage 2 Winner: Gio Ruggiero
- Most Laps Led: Gio Ruggiero (37 of 90)
- Fastest Lap: 49.783 seconds, 192 mph
Ruggiero is the first rookie to find victory lane since Layne Riggs late last season, and is set to win Rookie of the Year honors this season.
Author's summary: Ruggiero wins first NASCAR race at 19.