Mobil 1 Toyota Racing Photo
by Derek Jackson
Chandler Smith won the Nascar Xfinity Series race today at the Richmond Raceway driving the No. 81 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, his second win at the track two years in a row. This was the Talking Rock, Georgia native’s 2nd win of the 2024 season, with his first coming two weeks ago in Phoenix. JGR took the top-three spots atop the podium today with Smith in 1st, and teammates Aric Almirola and Taylor Gray finishing 2nd & 3rd.
After the race Smith said, “Never give up. This car was junk in Stage 1, wasn’t good in Stage 2 but used some good strategy there and this thing was fast when it counted,” Smith said. “I think we took over the points lead today, too. I’m just blessed.” With today’s win, Smith re-took the lead in the points race from fellow Georgian, Austin Hill.
Race fans from Georgia had plenty to cheer about today, as all four Xfinity drivers from the Peach State finished the race in the Top-10.
Nascar Craftsman Truck Series points leader Corey Heim from Marietta, Georgia finished the Xfinity race in 4th place driving the No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota, giving the Japanese automaker a sweep of the top four spots. Team owner Sam Hunt said, “Corey is the Real Deal. We believe in him, and he believes in us. We’re going to try and win one this year”.
Bubba Pollard from Senoia, Georgia was the talk of the garage this week in Richmond, as the Super Late Model stand-out landed a Xfinity ride with JR Motorsports and primary sponsor Rheem Heating & Cooling. Starting on the last row in today’s race, the Late Model and ARCA veteran finished the race in the 6th position.
Pollard has over 100 Late Model victories to his credit, and the excitement surrounding his Xfinity debut was evident all week at the track. The veteran driver was all smiles after the race and said, “I needed that green flag run to get into a rhythm. This place is tough, it’s technical. It’s probably one of the toughest places I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot of places”.
Winston, Georgia’s Austin Hill was last week’s NXS points leader, but he dropped to 2nd in the standings when he finished in 8th place.
NASCAR heads to the Paperclip in Martinsville, VA next weekend April 5, 6 & 7th.