Charlotte Proud: Layne Riggs ’24 displays his alma mater while winning on Charlotte turf
“Go 49ers! [We] put 49ers in victory lane. I’m so proud of that! Thank you to everybody at UNC Charlotte,” shared Layne Riggs ’24 in an interview with FOX, following his win at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24.
UNC Charlotte’s partnership with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Riggs reached a new level when the Niner Engineer captured an emotional victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
Days after returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway with UNC Charlotte featured as the primary sponsor on his No. 34 truck, Riggs delivered a memorable win in front of a home-state crowd. The victory marked his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win of the 2026 season, his first at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the seventh win of his Truck Series career. Riggs led a race-high 52 laps before securing the checkered flag.
The moment showcased the continued success of a driver who credits UNC Charlotte’s nationally recognized motorsports engineering program for helping him better understand the technical side of racing. As a motorsports program graduate of the William States Lee College of Engineering, Riggs represents the connection between classroom learning and success at the highest levels of motorsports.
Charlotte’s location in the heart of NASCAR country provides students with unique opportunities through hands-on experiences, industry partnerships and direct access to the racing community. Riggs’ accomplishments continue to demonstrate the impact of those opportunities while bringing national attention to both the University and its motorsports engineering program.
Riggs’ victory serves as a proud moment for Niner Nation and highlights the growing partnership between UNC Charlotte and one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars.
“My knowledge has excelled me past my competition and made me a smarter race car driver. The motorsports program at UNC Charlotte is great,” said Riggs in a post-race interview.
For more information, visit Inside UNC Charlotte Victory Layne.
Written by: Meenakshi Nair ’27
