Justin Allgaier’s victory at the Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 was a result of a dramatic finish. With several cautions and an overtime period cut short, Allgaier claimed the win after just two laps into the overtime, thanks to a late-race crash that saw Kyle Sieg’s car flip end-over-end.
This win at Michigan International Speedway was especially sweet for Allgaier, marking his second Xfinity victory of the year and 25th Xfinity Series career win, and his first at the Cabo Wabo 250. It also pushed him past his boss, Dale Earnhardt Jr. into 10th on the all-time win list. It looks like, after a disappointing P9 finish at Indianapolis, this victory was a major redemption, coming on the heels of a successful break during the Paris Olympics.
Justin Allgaier’s redemption win
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When a driver wins a circuit, they remember the moment forever. Even when they achieve more than 24 wins in their Xfinity series career. After coming close to winning at the Michigan circuit back in 2022, Justin Allgaier finally conquered the track this year. As the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports took the win, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio had an opportunity to speak to Allgaier and ask him how important the win was at Michigan International Speedway.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
What was the most significant factor in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s elusive victory?
Team strategy
Driver skill
Car performance
Luck
Do you think Joe Gibbs Racing's pit stall strategy gives them an unfair advantage?
Yes
No
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
After so many setbacks, does this victory prove Dale Jr.'s team has what it takes?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think NASCAR is ignoring its fans' concerns?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
I don't care
What do you think is the biggest reason behind Bubba Wallace's newfound mojo?
Impending fatherhood
Improved team dynamics
Personal growth
Better car performance
“We put ourselves in position so many times to win one here, but it just seems like nothing has ever gone our way,” explained the No. 7 JR Motorsports driver. He spoke about last year when the team had “arguably the best car.” Allgaier spun out on pit road and just didn’t have enough time to get back to the field, and this year’s win was a redemption for that.
The team deserved the credit, and Justin Allgaier obliged as he thanked everyone from JR Motorsports. The 38-year-old JR Motorsports driver reflected on the Penzoil 250, where he had a difficult time because nothing seemed to go right for them. Explaining this, Allgaier said, “I mean, man, we left Indianapolis with our tails between our legs. We didn’t execute like we wanted to there, and we didn’t have the car that we wanted.”
In the end, the thing that helped was the 3 weeks of the Olympic break, where the team went over everything to “comb” out all the problems. Even the qualifiers had the No. 7 Camaro driver concerned, but he backed up the team, saying, “We’re going to be in great shape.”
🕰️ It’s been awhile, but @J_Allgaier said it was well worth the wait as he scored his first win @MISpeedway.
🗣️ “We executed at a high level. And to make it into the final round of the playoffs and win a championship, that’s what it’s going to take.” pic.twitter.com/bGDTqNWKP7
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) August 18, 2024
What’s your perspective on:
After so many setbacks, does this victory prove Dale Jr.'s team has what it takes?
Have an interesting take?
Furthermore, Justin Allgaier shared that the night before the race, he and his crew went fishing to unwind and relax. He noticed that this downtime made a big difference in their performance on race day. To keep their playoff run strong and chase the championship, the team will need to maintain that level of focus and drive. What did they pull off at Michigan? That’s exactly the kind of effort they need to keep the momentum rolling.
Everything that happened at the Cabo Wabo 250
Trending
Joe Gibbs Racing Potentially Blocking Truck Series Phenom on Denny Hamlin’s Radar After On-Track Bad Blood
After Dale Jr., Joey Logano Blames NASCAR for Creating ‘Bulldozers’, Destroying ‘Respect’ in Cup Series
NASCAR Fans Back Kyle Busch’s Son’s Desperate Plea Amidst Denny Hamlin’s ‘Bad Luck’ Reluctance
Reality Struck Shane van Gisbergen Has His Playoffs Chances Cut Short Even Before His Full Time Debut in 2025
“My Body Needed Time”: Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah, Discloses Her Roadblocks to Motherhood Amid Racing Dilemma
In a dramatic finish to the Cabo Wabo 250 at Michigan International Raceway, before Kyle Sieg’s race ended in a terrifying crash on the final lap, Kyle Weatherman crashed. With under 10 laps to go, Weatherman blew a tire and slammed into the Turn 2 wall, triggering a caution and setting up a thrilling green-white-checkered finish.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Next, on the final lap, Kyle Sieg’s No. 28 Ford was involved in a dramatic crash with Chandler Smith. Sieg’s car flipped onto its roof, skidded across the asphalt, and then flipped again in the grass at Turn 3. The wreck triggered the 11th caution, cutting the race short.
As the yellow flag came out, Justin Allgaier took advantage, leading under caution to win his first career race at Michigan and his second of the season. Sheldon Creed finished second, continuing his streak of runner-up finishes and becoming the driver with the most runner-up finishes in the history of the Xfinity Series. Carson Kvapil, who had led earlier, ended up 26th after a late crash.
Here are the top 10 finishers at the Cabo Wabo 250:
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
- Justin Allgaier (1st)
- Sheldon Creed (2nd)
- John Hunter Nemechek (3rd)
- Anthony Alfredo (4th)
- Sammy Smith (5th)
- Noah Gragson (6th)
- Matt DiBenedetto (7th)
- Taylor Gray (8th)
- Caesar Bacarella (9th)
- AJ Allmendinger (10th)
With the JR Motorsports driver finishing the Xfinity Series at P2 last year, do you think that this year will be the year he wins his first title?
Debate
After so many setbacks, does this victory prove Dale Jr.'s team has what it takes?