Chandler Smith Overshadows Dejected Aric Almirola at Richmond Amidst JGR’s Dominant 1-2-3 Xfinity Finish

The driver of the #81 Mobil1 Toyota Supra, Chandler Smith picked up his second career NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Richmond Raceway over teammates (P2) Aric Almirola, and (P3) Taylor Gray, who swept out the podium for a perfect JGR 1-2-3 finish. Last week’s Truck race winner at COTA, Corey Heim, finished in P4, while Jesse Love, rounded off the top 5 claiming his second top-5 finish this season. 

Smith qualified in 4th place behind SHR’s Cole Custer, JRM’s Brandon Jones, and pole-winner Parker Retzlaff for Jordan Anderson Racing. Nevertheless, the JGR drivers were the fastest runners in the ToyotaCare 250 as Almirola’s #19 went on to sweep both stages before Smith’s final victory. 

Chandler Smith Gives “All Glory to God” After Richmond Victory

The 21-year-old rising star for JGR celebrated his second Richmond victory. Smith made his motivations very clear when he declared, “All glory to god, first and foremost, Easter weekend. Tomorrow is probably the most important day in all of world history, so make sure to be with your family”. In an outstanding JGR display, Chandler Smith was only one of the few JGR favorites. Especially considering how Almirola led a race-high 95 laps with the #19 car.

The #81 driver certainly seemed grateful for his resilience when he said, “Never give up, never give up. This car was not good Stage 1, wasn’t good Stage 2 but we threw some strategy there with our Mobil1 GR Supra and this thing was as fast as Xfinity internet when it counted.”

The star of tomorrow held his religion in the highest regard reiterating “All glory to God.” Smith continued, “Man I mean if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be surrounded by all these great men and women at Joe Gibbs Racing wouldn’t be with the greatest manufacturer, Toyota this is great I mean I’m back winning races here on a on a consistent basis. I think we took over the points lead again today too. So I’m just blessed, I’m beyond blessed”.

Where did other drivers stand?

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Although JGR’s 1-2-3 sweep with Chandler Smith’s Xfinity win, his other full-time teammate in the second division, Sheldon Creed finished at P35, after dropping fifteen spots from a 20th position in qualifying. However, the two-time X Games medalist has already placed himself on the podium two times in 2024.

Additionally, short-track ace Bubba Pollard came home sixth from P37 in his much anticipated Xfinity Series start for JR Motorsports, while Parker Kligerman, Austin Hill, Sammy Smith, and Custer rounded off the Top-10. This win also marks back-to-back victories for Chandler Smith at Richmond.

Read More: Xfinity Series Star Forced to Miss Richmond Weekend Due to a Medical Emergency with his Pregnant Wife