Defending winner Jake Garcia makes feelings clear after being forced to withdraw from the All-American 400 race

NASCAR Truck Series driver Jake Garcia will sit out the All American 400 after a heavy crash in the closing moments of Friday's practice. Consequently, the 20-year-old won't be defending his 2024 crown as he doesn't have a backup car.

Garcia returned to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway with high hopes. He won the event's previous outing by taking the lead during an overtime restart. The result marked his first victory in the crown jewel event.

However, the young driver will sit out the season finale for the ASA STARS National Tour. Addressing the same, Garcia spoke to NASCAR reporter Steven Taranto and said,

"The left rear axle tube snapped in half. Turn into a corner, wheel, brakes, everything. Axel fell out, it landed in the woods and I was kind of along for the ride." "Yeah, it sucks. So this is what happens. I thought there was a lot of potential this weekend, but, you know, stuff like this happens in racing.....we don't have a backup car or anything like that, so we'll be down for the weekend and just try to regroup," he added.

Jake Garcia will now move on to the 58th Annual Snowball Derby in December. He also clarified that the wrecked car won't be used there. Notably, Chase Elliott wanted to compete in the All American 400 with Ricky Turner Racing, but backed out once he learned about Garcia's spot with the team.

Meanwhile, Garcia's Thorsports Racing teammate Ty Majeski is also enrolled for the race. The 2024 Truck Series champion has qualified 11th on the grid after Saturday's qualifying, while Dawson Sutton grabbed pole.

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Jake Garcia opens up about the pressure of having title winning teammates

Jake Garcia has just signed off on his sophomore season with Thorsports Racing. He made it to the playoffs and finished the season tenth in standings.

In an interview during the Truck Series playoff media day, Garcia reflected upon having three championship winning teammates in Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski and Matt Crafton.

"You know, we’ve got a really strong team. I’m the only full-time driver that hasn’t won a championship, so I think there’s some pressure that comes along with that, too. Entering the playoffs to get a championship, that way you’re not maybe the odd man out anymore," he said.

Jake Garcia also noted that he often relies on his teammates for help. He was expecially thankful for Crafton's guidance. Crafton ended his long-standing Truck Series tenure with the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

He enjoyed the longest driver-sponsor partnership in NASCAR history with Menards. The No.88 driver scored three Truck Series championships and fifteen wins with Menards as his sponsor. Crafton wrapped up 2025 at 15th and logged five top-10s with an average finish of 18.4.

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Edited by Vignesh Kanna