Very few drivers would find themselves as upbeat as Sam Mayer after the season’s trophy slipped up from their hands. But for 20-year-old Mayer, securing a Championship 4 spot was in itself a phenomenal achievement.

JR Motorsports’ #1 Chevrolet driver finished Top 5 in the final Xfinity Series race at the Phoenix Raceway and he could not be more thrilled about it.

JR Motorsports’ No. 1 driver Sam Mayer put in his 100% effort this year

After the mayhem presented by the Truck Series drivers, the Xfinity stars displayed a stunning season finale race. In a clean portrayal of pure racing talent, the top 4 title contenders largely led the 1-mile tri-oval in the last 20 laps. Ultimately, Stewart-Haas Racing’s #00 driver Cole Custer held strong in the overtime restart to emerge triumphant at the end of the season. Third in the year’s standings, Sam Mayer was still “pumped” about everything he achieved this season and he had good reason for that.

Prior to this season, Mayer had never won an Xfinity Series race. This year, he won four of them and advanced to the final playoff round to give himself an incredible shot at the season’s victory. Moreover, the #1 driver had never before placed himself within the Top 10 in Phoenix. In the most crucial race of his career, Mayer fought his track record to compete in the Top 5 and even finished second at the end of Stage 2.

Watch this story: Sam Mayer’s Stellar Victory: A New Chapter in JR Motorsports’ Legacy

In his post-race interview, a pleased Sam Mayer said, “It’s my first top 10 here [Phoenix], first top five here, so I mean I can’t really be too bummed out. I said earlier to Dale [team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr] I’m pumped for next year. It’s more motivating to go out there and do it next year and win the thing next year.” When enquired what it meant for him as a driver to accomplish this feat, Mayer only had one message to convey.

“I hope it proves that my name belongs here. I mean, that’s the whole deal about the Xfinity Series, but I’m going to work even harder next year. I feel like I was at 100% this year. That was my best right there and my best is going to be even better next year.” Despite his enthusiastic acceptance of the outcome, it could have been anyone’s game when the last caution came up for Anthony Alfredo’s #78 Chevrolet. 

The Xfinity championship contenders claimed consecutive Top 4 spots until the untimely caution

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After all four title contenders pit for fresh tires under caution, Cole Custer took away the lead from Joe Gibbs Racing’s John Hunter Nemechek and JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier. However, his effort amounted to nothing when Anthony Alfredo once again brought out the yellow flag after spinning at Turn 2. 

Custer, Nemechek, Allgaier, and Mayer huddled together at the front and only had two laps available to make a dash toward the checkered flag. Reflecting on that pressured situation, Mayer admitted, “Those last two restarts were hectic. We were sixth overall, third in line top. We had our work cut out for us.” 

But Mayer persisted and deservedly prided himself on giving it his all. “We somehow made it happen there on the first one and God blessed us with the second one, gave us another chance at it, but just a little bit short. I mean, the car, our Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet, was as fast as Xfinity 10G.”

After that valiant effort, the young JR Motorsports driver concluded, “I’m looking forward to getting the Daytona, starting the year off right instead of upside down, and finish it right instead of third.”

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