USA Today via Reuters
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger (16) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger (16) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol has officially concluded, with AJ Allmendinger winning the race. However, the lap couple of laps descended into mayhem, especially at the front. This is because Allmendinger and Austin Cindric collided and crashed across the finish line. The initial contact saw the two drivers spin before the race winner got clobbered a couple of times.
In light of the incident, NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds expressed his thoughts on the race. He confessed, “I’ve been apart of NASCAR for over 4 decades. Not sure I’ve ever seen the winning driver interviewed at the infield care center!“
I’ve been apart of #NASCAR for over 4 decades, not sure I’ve ever seen the winning driver interviewed at the infield care center! WOW!Cannot wait until tomorrow night! The Ole @BMSupdates is back!!! #NASCAR
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) September 18, 2021
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It is also crazy to see the two lead cars spinning in tandem across the finish line. Nevertheless, the win counted, and AJ Allmendinger ended the 2021 Xfinity Series regular season as the champion. Now, he and his rivals will be looking ahead to the Playoff stages.
What lies ahead for AJ Allmendinger in the Xfinity Series playoffs?
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With the Bristol race over, the paddock will head to Las Vegas for the opening round of the Playoffs. Allmendinger will be keen to keep up his winning momentum and cement his place in the next round, early. On the other end of the scale, the likes of Austin Cindric and Justin Allgaier will be keen to not let him get away so easily.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 27, 2021; Miami, FL, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver AJ Allmendinger (16) leads the field during the Contender Boats 250 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
In the Xfinity arena, only the Top 12 qualify for the Playoffs, as opposed to 16 in the Cup Series. It explains why the Xfinity Series playoffs start later than its Cup and Truck counterparts. However, these playoffs are just as important, as it determines who will be the eventual champion.
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Whatever happens, this will be Allmendinger’s career-best finish in the Xfinity Series. The highest he ever finished in the championship was 24th in the 2020 season. While all that is going on, Austin Cindric will be eager to notch up a second consecutive Xfinity Series win. It will be his last chance before he graduates to the Cup Series with Team Penske.
READ MORE: Austin Cindric Comments on Wild Xfinity Finish at the Bristol Motor Speedway
