November 10th 2024.
On a cool autumn night in Avondale, Arizona, history was made in the world of NASCAR. Justin Allgaier, driving his No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, secured his first Xfinity season championship at Phoenix Raceway. It was a stunning comeback for Allgaier, who had fallen a lap down midway through the race.
But Allgaier was determined to overcome this setback. He worked his way back through the field, passing Austin Hill and Cole Custer on an overtime restart with just two laps remaining. And it wasn't just any restart - Allgaier's team had made a strategic decision to take four tires, including two new ones on the right side, during their pit stop before overtime. This proved to be a game-changing move as Allgaier shot past his competitors and into the lead.
After making the pass, a crash occurred, bringing out yet another caution. But Allgaier held on during the final restart and crossed the finish line as the new Xfinity season champion. "This is mind-blowing, it really is," he exclaimed with disbelief. "We tried to give it away every way we could."
At 38 years old, this was a long-awaited moment for Allgaier. Despite winning 25 Xfinity races throughout his career, he had never captured a championship title. This was his seventh time making it to the final four in the past nine years, with previous finishes of second place in 2020 and 2023.
It was a rollercoaster of a night for Allgaier, who had to start from the back of the field after switching to a backup car due to a crash during Friday's practice. But he wasted no time in making his way through the pack, cracking the top 10 in just 26 laps. However, midway through the race, trouble struck when his back left tire started losing air after contact with Riley Herbst. Despite losing a few positions, Allgaier managed to finish the second stage in 10th place.
But things took a turn for the worse on the restart, with Allgaier receiving back-to-back penalties for an improper restart and then speeding on pit road. This put him a lap behind the field, seemingly crushing his championship hopes. However, a well-timed caution for a crash involving Anthony Alfredo gave Allgaier a chance to get back on the lead lap.
From there, Allgaier put on a masterclass performance, methodically working his way back through the field. And in the final laps, he made the crucial pass on Hill and Custer to secure the championship title.
Meanwhile, Allgaier's competitors faced their own challenges. AJ Allmendinger, who also had to start from the back of the field due to brake issues, struggled with his car for much of the night. Custer, who was vying for back-to-back Xfinity titles, couldn't keep up with Allgaier's lightning-fast car in the final laps.
Herbst, on the other hand, had a strong showing, winning both of the 45-lap stages. But in the end, it was Allgaier who emerged victorious, cementing his place in NASCAR history.
Both Custer and Allmendinger will be moving up to the Cup Series next season, making Allgaier's win all the more significant. And as the checkered flag waved and Allgaier celebrated with his team, it was clear that this was a moment that he had been dreaming of for years.
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