Illinois Native Clinches NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship

After overcoming numerous setbacks, Justin Allgaier claimed his first NASCAR Xfinity Series title on Saturday at Phoenix Raceway.

Saturday's Xfinity Series race was perhaps one of the most entertaining races I've seen this season. Four championship contenders battled it out on the track for the title at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. It was an exciting 213 laps, which ultimately led to Spaulding, Illinois, native Justin Allgaier's victory. However, it wasn't easy. It's safe to say Allgaier more than earned this one.

The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship

The four drivers competing for the title at Phoenix Raceway were AJ Allmendinger, Austin Hill, Cole Custer, and, of course, Justin Allgaier. Custer, who won the title last year, was looking to go back-to-back, while Allgaier, at 38 years old, was aiming to claim his first Xfinity Series Championship.

In order to win the championship, Allgaier only needed to finish the race ahead of the other three title contenders. Allgaier finished 2nd, followed by Custer in 8th, Allmendinger in 9th, and Hill in 10th place. Winning the race itself was Custer's teammate Riley Herbst, who led an impressive 167 of the 213 laps.

Allgaier Faces Back-to-Back Penalties

Now, as I alluded to before, Allgaier overcame a lot to win the title. At the end of Stage 2, Allgaier made contact with Riley Herbst, which caused damage to the left rear of the No. 7. Allgaier was able to limp to pit road at the end of the stage, but soon faced another setback after being nailed with a restart violation. However, that wasn't the end of his troubles.

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As Allgaier drove down pit road while serving the restart penalty, he was slapped with a speeding violation, which took him off the lead lap. At the time, Custer was leading the title contenders, riding right behind Herbst. Luckily, Allgaier was able to make it back onto the lead lap while catching up to the front, thanks to a caution sparked by a crash involving the No. 5.

Allgaier Claims the Victory

Allgaier would eventually pass the other title contenders just before an overtime restart, making for a dramatic last few laps. The drama continued after yet another crash brought out a second caution. That said, Allgaier didn’t let it hinder his victory. He stayed ahead of the field, trailing only behind Herbst, and claimed the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship title.

The Illinois native had tears of joy in his eyes as his family, friends, and JR Motorsports owners Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller came to celebrate with him after the race. It was honestly hard not to cheer for the guy as he crossed the checkered flag. At 38 years old, and after years of racing, Allgaier can finally boast a championship title to his name.