TALLADEGA, AL - APRIL 26: Chris Buescher 17 RFK Racing Kroger/Jack Link s Ford and Carson Hocevar 77 Spire Motorsports Chili s Ride the Dente Chevrolet race side by side during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Jack Links 500 on April 26, 2026, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 26 NASCAR Cup Series Jack Links 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2604263646

Jul 18, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT

Ford star speaks up on possible NASCAR Cup venture going into 2027

Driving in the Cup Series is the ultimate dream for every NASCAR driver, and when you're already making names and turning heads in the lower series, your debut becomes a matter of time. That's exactly what is expected to happen with Ford's star driver, Layne Riggs.

The 2026 Truck Series championship leader recently shared his thoughts on making his Cup debut. He also revealed that a plan is already in place for a potentially bigger gig in 2027. Speaking about this on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said:

"Well, I'd like to know my plans too. I'm not sure either. Actually, we don't have any plans yet. It was just kind of figuring how the early silly season works out first to see if there's an opportunity for me. But yeah, I'd love to make my first start at some point. I mean, this year would be great."

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Layne Riggs 34 Front Row Motorsports Love s Travel Stops Ford races in turn 4 during practice for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 on February 12, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 12 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602122137250

Riggs is currently driving for Front Row Motorsports and is in charge of the No. 34 Ford F-150. He is leading the championship in 2026 and has been in stellar form with four wins already.

"It's not looking great for a timeline and having to get your first start before the Chase starts in Cup. But like I said, whenever that opportunity arises, I'd love to do it," Riggs further told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "I'm working hard every day to try to make sure that happens. But no new news yet."

However, getting a full-time ride will be extremely difficult given the demand for it. Moreover, there are several drivers in contention for one charter. Currently, Noah Gragson, Zane Smith, and Todd Gilliland are driving full-time at FRM.

However, there are talks in the garage that Gragson might move away from FRM and join Richard Childress Racing next season, potentially opening up the spot for Riggs. However, Front Row Motorsports has four cars, including one part-time, and it will be interesting to see if Riggs makes his debut in that car anytime soon, or probably next year.

Layne Riggs set for regular-season Truck title in 2026

Keeping the Cup Series dream aside for now, Layne Riggs wants to secure the regular season Truck Series championship in 2026. Sharing his thoughts in a video by NASCAR.com on Friday, the Truck driver stated how strongly he came off last year to win it, but this time, he wants to make sure he does it.

"I felt like last year, me and the 11 ran really close. And obviously, they were the class of the field most weekends, but we still had a shot at it, coming down to the end, and if we would have made the championship four, we were leading with three laps to go in the Phoenix race.

"I mean, we were championship contenders without being an actual contender. And we know that we had the capability to do that as a team and this year was just time to execute," Riggs said.

After 14 races, Riggs has a 44-point lead over second-placed Kaden Honeycutt. And Honeycutt, like last year as well, is his primary rival going into the regular season. With that said, it will be interesting to see if Riggs manages to hold on to his lead before the Chase begins.

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Yash Kotak