MSA FILE PHOTO
by Derek Jackson
Chandler Smith of Talking Rock, Georgia led a race-high 88 laps driving his No. 81 Quick Tie Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Call811.com. Every Dig. Every Time. 200. Smith won stage one of the race and also captured his 2nd career win in the Xfinity Series at the one-mile dog leg oval at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona for today’s contest.
With 57 laps to go, John Hunter Nemechek made contact several times with teammate Smith as they battled for position while three wide in turn four. The collision sent Nemechek spinning, which collected 11 cars in the process. Drivers found themselves trading paint several times during the race when three wide in the turns, notably an early accident involving Jeremy Clements and Josh Williams.
With five laps to go Justin Allgaier had a commanding three second lead, when a left rear flat had him spinning into the wall and an eventual 29th place finish. Allgaier’s wreck sent the race into overtime, which Smith held off the field for the win.
Chandler Smith who also has had ARCA & NASCAR Truck Series wins at Phoenix, said after the race. “I’m so proud of everyone back at Joe Gibbs Racing. It feels good to finally get the first one off my back with these guys. So let’s go keep racking them up”.
Jesse Love passed Sheldon Creed on the last lap to finish 2nd. Creed claimed the 3rd spot, and Smith’s fellow Georgian, Austin Hill finished 4th, collecting his fourth top-five finish in a row of the 2024 season. Pole sitter and 2nd stage winner Cole Custer rounded out the top-five.
The Xfinity Series drivers will have the next week off and they will return to racing on March 23rd at the Circuit of the America’s road course in Austin, Texas. Television coverage will begin at 5pm on FS1.