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Christian Eckes wins Stage 1 of Truck Series race at Atlanta without brakes

JHby:Jonathan Howard•02/24/24•

Jondean25

Christian Eckes
Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

What a run for Christian Eckes to start his day in Atlanta, but it isn’t all good. Eckes won Stage 1 of the Fr8 208, but lost his brakes. A NASCAR driver never wants to hit the pedal and feel a loose brake.

Right now, Christian Eckes and his team are trying to get him on pit road safely and fix the issue. NASCAR has yet to black flag Eckes, despite the obvious safety issue. The Truck Series went right into Stage 2 after the green and white checkered flag.

With Eckes fighting a truck without brakes, how will he continue this race? The driver was heard on his radio saying he would likely have to wreck himself if a caution comes out.

A caution in Stage 2 gave Christian Eckes time to get to pit road. However, his team felt that they needed to take the truck to the garage. Frustrating afternoon for the young driver who hopes to compete for a championship this season.

“It’s not like I can f***ing stop. I’m trying my best,” Eckes said on his radio as he made his way to the garage.

Overall, the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing trucks were fast. Eckes was great, Tyler Ankrum was right there with him. Daniel Dye was the pole winner and is hoping to move up through the field again.

Christian Eckes goes to the garage early

Despite a fast truck, Christian Eckes was too unsafe to keep going. There is only one way to stop a speeding truck on the race track, and it’s neither fun or safe for anyone involved. When drivers have to make the decision to wreck themselves, it’s just too risky nine times out of ten.

Last season at Road America, Chandler Smith had a similar issue. Of course, on an oval, you can keep going around in circles at speed. On a road course, hairpin turns and sharp corners are more difficult to get through. Smith had to wreck himself by putting his car into the wall.

Thankfully, Eckes was able to get off the track safely. NASCAR did not black flag him, but they probably should have when he first got onto pit road with the issue.

Right now, Christian Eckes is out, but his teammates are very much in this race. Of course, there is the No. 7 truck driven by Kyle Busch for Spire Motorsports. Busch looks like the driver to beat, winning Stage 2, as we head into the final stage.