The NASCAR Xfinity Series is hurtling toward a climactic showdown at the Phoenix Raceway. And the championship hopes of the iconic Dale Earnhardt Jr, for his team, JR Motorsports, hang in the balance. The stage is set, and the pressure is on for the final showdown. But what’s causing some sleepless nights for the team and their 20-year-old contender? Well, the #1 Chevrolet driver recently opened up about his struggles at Phoenix, raising concerns about the team’s quest for another Xfinity Championship.

Sam Mayer, driving for JR Motorsports #1 team, has made his presence felt this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His most recent victory at the Homestead-Miami Speedway propelled him into the Championship 4. It puts him one step closer to clinching the coveted championship. However, as the championship battle looms, Mayer faces a nagging concern that could jeopardize Dale Earnhardt Jr’s hopes for another title.

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s protégé admits to his lackluster performance at Phoenix in the past

Phoenix Raceway, with its unique challenges, has not been kind to Sam Mayer in the past. In a recent conversation on the NASCAR Live podcast, Mayer shed light on his previous performances at the track. Since February 2020, Mayer has run four races at Phoenix, with an average finish of 20th, no top 5 or top 10 finishes, only 4 laps led, and an average rating close to 79.

During the NASCAR Live podcast, Mike Bagley inquired about Mayer’s preparations for Phoenix and the added pressure of racing for a championship. “Looking ahead to Phoenix and talking about the simulator time there for you. What do you like about the track?” asked Bagley. “I know you got a lot of track time there. So you know how it is. But you’ll be running for a championship this time.”

Mayer’s response was a mix of determination and self-awareness. “Yeah, there is that extra pressure on us for sure. And this is the time to perform. So I am working on it. A lot of work, a lot of hours into it, and may we get the best race we can. I have not really performed the best at Phoenix in the past. I admit that. It was not a lack of effort. But we worked really hard to make it happen and I think that if we can go out there and do it right, we can have a shot at the championship.”

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While Sam Mayer grapples with his past performances at Phoenix, Dale Earnhardt Jr found himself at the center of attention for a different reason in Miami.

Dale Earnhardt Jr takes full blame for wrecking Josh Berry out of the race at Homestead

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Earnhardt Jr ran a surprising second Xfinity race of the year, at Miami. He usually only does one race each season. And although he finished in the top 5 himself, he did so only after wrecking his own driver, Josh Berry, out of the race.

Despite qualifying in 23rd place, Earnhardt steadily made his way through the field, finishing 12th at the end of stage one and 16th at the end of stage two. He spent most of the final 90 laps in the top 10. His impressive performance marked his first top-five finish in the Xfinity Series since 2020, a significant achievement that came on a track he deeply appreciates. He said, “That went so well, and I love the night race and the atmosphere there.”

However, the race wasn’t without its share of drama. Dale Earnhardt Jr took the blame for an incident involving his teammate and driver, Josh Berry, during a restart on Lap 171. Earnhardt drifted up into Berry, squeezing him against the wall. According to NBC Sport, Dale Jr said, “I cleaned him out. I didn’t know he got there. I got loose, but I thought I was clear all the way up.” A miscommunication with his spotter, Joey Meier, added to the confusion. Berry’s car was severely damaged, and he was forced out of the race.

Earnhardt, known for his sportsmanship, took full responsibility for the incident, saying, “It was a mistake. I really try not to affect anybody’s race out there, trying to drive and give everybody a little extra room.” Despite the unfortunate incident, Earnhardt was already looking ahead to future races, hinting at a return to Homestead, saying, “It’s so tempting. It’s so fun.”

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As the Xfinity Series heads to Phoenix Raceway for the championship showdown, the stakes are high, and the challenges are evident. Sam Mayer’s admission of his struggles at the track adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming races. Can he overcome his past performances and deliver when it matters most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.