Ben Rhodes won NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series championship Friday night in thrilling fashion. After the victory, it was time to celebrate, but there was the pesky matter of the post-race press conference. Fortunately for all of us, Rhodes showed up, but only after he was pretty well lubricated. He wound up giving a masterful performance.
Rhodes readily admitted he was “lit” during a 16-minute podium performance the likes of which we’ve rarely seen. He made goofy noises, often asked reporters to repeat their questions, gave a shoutout to the movie Phenomenon and burped right into the mic on a number of occasions. The man was in rare form, displaying pure joy that can only be displayed by someone who is drunk on the sweet taste of victory … and champagne … and Bud Light.
Here’s video of Rhodes getting the party started:
Ben Rhodes is passing away tonight pic.twitter.com/OFTz9EXtZ2
— Diego Alvarado (@DiegoxAlv) November 4, 2023
Here he is walking in for the presser:
The Ben Rhodes Championship Experience has begun. pic.twitter.com/zVaCKfJDzC
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) November 4, 2023
And here is his full press conference:
The press conference you’ve all been waiting for is happening.
Here’s Ben. 😂 https://t.co/YAieoUzScJ
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 4, 2023
That is just an all-timer. It’s right up there with Ron Artest’s presser after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Here’s a look at the finish of the race that saw the championship come right down to the wire:
BEN RHODES IS YOUR 2023 NASCAR TRUCK SERIES CHAMPION!
Christian Eckes wins the race at Phoenix!
What a race. What a season. pic.twitter.com/vTua7UpskA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) November 4, 2023
For how close that was, we can understand why Rhodes felt he had to drink so much. A pretty incredible finish. It was the 26-year-old’s season truck series title, as he won it in 2021 as well.