For years, Justin Allgaier has been one of the most consistent drivers in the Xfinity Series, yet despite his success, the championship has always slipped through his fingers. Every season, it feels like he’s just a few steps away from glory, but luck—or a lack thereof—has held him back. Now fans are wondering if 2024 will be his year.

Heading into the 2024 Xfinity Series Finals, Allgaier is more determined than ever to finally break through, not just for himself but for his JR Motorsports team that has supported him through it all. With the drive to pay back Dale Earnhardt Jr. and everyone at JRM for their unwavering commitment, Allgaier hopes this could finally be the year he ends the curse and brings home the title that’s eluded him for so long. So will it be this year that JRM and Allgaier seize the title?

Justin Allgaier explains why winning this title means so much to him

Justin Allgaier is on a mission to break a frustrating curse that’s haunted him and his team for years. As the 2024 Xfinity Series Finals approaches Phoenix, the veteran driver opened up during an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, reflecting on his long search for a championship. “We’re going to put the best product on the racetrack we can and hopefully one of these days we can get it for JR Motorsports,” he said, his voice full of both determination and a touch of frustration.

Allgaier’s path to a championship has been anything but easy. Despite multiple promising seasons, he’s always fell short, often just on the verge of breaking through. He’s been incredibly consistent, but luck has never seemed to swing his way when it mattered most. “When you look at how small our organization is, people-wise, the heart and soul that they put into it,” he explained during the interview, highlighting the effort of everyone at JR Motorsports. “That’s why I want to win a championship; it’s for all of them.”

It’s not just about the accolades for Justin Allgaier—it’s about the people who have invested so much of their time and passion into the effort. “You hate walking in the shop on Monday morning and just being like, ‘We didn’t get it again.’ That’s the motivation to go win it.” For Allgaier, the championship isn’t just a personal goal. It’s about rewarding the entire team that worked tirelessly with him. But he also acknowledged the changing nature of the sport, where dominance over a season doesn’t guarantee success in the playoffs like it used to. “This isn’t the old point system. This isn’t go and dominate all year and be 300 points ahead when you get to Phoenix,” he said, reflecting on the unpredictability of the current format.

Despite all the hurdles, Justin Allgaier remains hopeful. “They all understand it, they want it, and we’re going to put the best product on the racetrack we can,” he said. It’s clear that, for Allgaier, this isn’t just about his aspirations—it’s about getting the championship for the entire JR Motorsports family. He’s hoping that, finally, this could be the year he breaks the curse and brings home that elusive title. However, things haven’t started off well for Justin Allgaier at Phoenix as he started having troubles ever since the practice sessions.

Allgaier’s practice run crash before the Xfinity Series finals

Justin Allgaier had a rough start to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway, getting caught up in a practice crash that put his title hopes on a bit of a backfoot. During Friday’s session, Brennan Poole, behind the wheel of the No. 44 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet, had an issue coming out of turns 1 and 2, which left some fluid on the track. Allgaier, along with Brandon Jones and Aric Almirola, hit the slick surface, and before they knew it, Allgaier was sliding up into the wall, making hard contact.

The wreck involved a few other cars, too, but Allgaier was the only one of the four Championship 4 drivers who got tangled up in it. Despite the damage, Aric Almirola and the Joe Gibbs Racing team remained in the hunt for the owners’ points title. For Allgaier, though, the crash was a serious setback. The JR Motorsports crew quickly started prepping his backup car with more than 30 minutes left in the practice session, meaning Allgaier would have to start from the back on Saturday.

Luckily for Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Xfinity Series director Wayne Auton recognized the massive issue he faced. Along with the backup car, Allgaier needed an extra set of tires. Auton authorized the extra set, after discussing with the remaining Championship race contending teams.

The frustration was clear as Allgaier pounded his fist on the pit box after climbing out of the wrecked car. Now, with Allgaier, Austin Hill, AJ Allmendinger, and Cole Custer all fighting for the championship in the Xfinity Series, Allgaier had some work ahead of him to make up for the lost ground in Saturday’s race. The Championship 4 drivers had everything to play for as they set their sights on the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series title.