Red Flag at Phoenix as JGR’s Chandler Smith & John Hunter Nemechek Trigger the ‘Big One’

A fiery multi-car wreck ignited by a clash between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates sent the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 at Phoenix into a frenzy. P2 qualifier Chandler Smith in the #81 Toyota found himself tangled with the #20 of John Hunter Nemechek with just 57 laps remaining in Stage 3, triggering a chaotic pileup that picked up several victims.

The drama was far from over for Smith, however. Despite the Stage 3 skirmish, the JGR rookie emerged from the chaos unscathed, his strong pace throughout the race ultimately leading him to a thrilling victory, his second career NXS win after conquering Richmond in 2023 with Kaulig Racing.

Phoenix Winner Chandler Smith Eliminates Teammate John Hunter Nemechek’s Chances

But how did his teammate feel about his dashed chances, on the flipside of the incident? “I don’t know,” said after 2015 Truck Series victor after the race. “There was a little bit of contact and next thing I knew, I was sideways,” In visible frustration after a missed chance at recording back-to-back wins in 2024, Nemechek instead blamed the “crazy restarts” and the unique “dog leg” section coming into the backstretch before the incident.

The #20 will have to forget his JGR woes quickly for the #42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota after he finished P19 in qualifying for the NCS Race tomorrow, a couple of hours under the scorching sun in Phoenix,

A lot of big names were involved in the wreck, such as Riley Herbst, Hallie Deegan, and Sam Mayer, who fought his way back into the Top 10 after qualifying P21 for the Phoenix NXS race. On the other hand, Corey LaJoie’s podcast partner, Parker Kilgerman, as well as Shane van Gisbergen, showed exceptional control over their cars as they maneuvered skillfully through the pileup. Pole-winner Cole Custer has been strong throughout, also coming out of the collision unscathed. 

Read More: John Hunter Nemechek Refuses to Call Out JGR Teammate Despite Blatant Wreck Ending Phoenix Show

JGR’s Back-to-Back in the Xfinity Series

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This incident, however, paved the way for a dramatic finish that saw Chandler Smith capitalize on a late-race flat tire for race leader till that point, Justin Allgaier, handing the lead to #81 on the final restart. Smith, who had dominated Stage 1 went on to lead 88 laps out of the 200 laps on the “doglegged” oval and capitalized on the unexpected opportunity presented by the JR Motorsports driver stepping into his ninth season at Dale Jr’s NXS team.

The JGR rookie held off the competition, including Jesse Love (second place) and Sheldon Creed (third place), to secure a thrilling overtime victory. The top five finishers were rounded out by Sheldon Creed (third), Austin Hill (fourth), and pole-sitter Cole Custer (fifth). Kiwi superstar Shane Van Gisbergen secured a solid sixth-place finish, followed by Brandon Jones, Parker Kligerman, Sammy Smith, and Anthony Alfredo.

Additionally, Franke Muniz retired from the race a few laps prior to the wreck, citing “vibrations” in his car, resulting in an embarrassing outcome for the former actor turned NASCAR star. The Xfinity Series will return to the Circuit of the Americas at Austin, Texas on March 23.

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