Nemechek grabs 1st career Truck Series victory by saving gas

Empty grandstands are seen during a rain delay in qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway, Friday, September 18, 2015, in Joliet, Ill.

Nemechek took the lead when then-leader Kyle Larson ran out of gas on Lap 148.

John Hunter Nemechek: Youngster from Mooresville wins for the first time in his career, trusting his crew chief that playing the gas-preservation game would be key to winning. As John Hunter’s truck coasted across the finish line, his father, Joe, chimed in over the team radio, “Hell of a job, son!” For what we’ve had to work with… he’s accomplished a lot. We’ve had a few close calls, but I can’t thank everyone enough.

At 18 years, three months and eight days, Nemechek is the fourth-youngest driver to win a Truck race – only Cole Custer, Erik Jones and Chase Elliott were younger.

“It was definitely hard to see all the trucks running out of fuel in front of me, but Gene Kennon just kept telling me to save”.

“He’s won his first Truck race”.

“It’s just been an incredible day, an incredible day”.

Erik Jones: Extends points lead after sixth-place finish, but it’s still a tight one over Tyler Reddick (10 points). Crafton and Suarez both incurred further penalties in the ensuing round of pit stops, as did Suarez’ team mate Erik Jones, and there was a black flag for Reddick who was leaking fuel on the track and needed some running repairs. “I haven’t been able to win a Truck race yet, and it’s his first of many to come”, Joe Nemechek said.

The starting order was set by practice speeds, and Larson earned the top spot in his JR Motorsports entry.