NASCAR
Josh Berry Outlasts Justin Allgaier for Charlotte Victory
CONCORD, N.C. – For the second time this season, Josh Berry is an Xfinity Series winner. Like with most recent Xfinity races, Charlotte came down to a late battle between JR Motorsports teammates. Berry had to methodically catch, pass, and hold off all charges from Justin Allgaier in the closing laps. After Allgaier’s 7 car lost a tire late, it was clear sailing for Berry, taking home his fourth career win.
After Noah Gragson faced power issues, Josh Berry asserted control to take the Stage 1 win. Justin Allgaier would make it another Stage-sweeping day for JRM, as they’ve now won the last 10 Stages. The closing laps of Stage 2 were a great battle between Allgaier and Berry, only previewing the finish.
That is one way to restart… pic.twitter.com/oAhzgLNBT9
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 28, 2022
Once lapped traffic became a factor late, Allgaier was all over Berry’s rear bumper for the top spot. Coming off pit road for the final time, the top two were door-to-door for the win. There was contact between both drivers, sending Allgaier into the wall numerous times. Eventually, Allgaier’s right rear tire cut down, forcing the 7 to pit road late. This left Berry unopposed to take the win by 18 seconds over runner-up Ty Gibbs.
*Whispers*
And they are teammates. pic.twitter.com/69AoGkASHC
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 28, 2022
“Man it’s so amazing,” Josh Berry said of scoring JRM’s first Charlotte win. “This car was so good, Mike (Bumgarner, crew chief) and this whole group work so hard. We’ve been getting better every week. I think just the sky is the limit, as we continue to learn about each other and keep getting better. I’m so happy for Harrison’s USA, they’re regionally based, this is their home track. Danny Harrison came and found me at Caraway (N.C.) Speedway at a late model race. He was like ‘what are you doing next year?’ And then I was like ‘I don’t know.’ He stepped up and helped make this happen.”
“Man that was a battle with Justin, it always is with us. We always seem to run good at the same places, always find each other. He slipped up in one, and I got loose too. I was following him, I got loose too, but it all worked out.”
Despite the teammate dogfight, Justin Allgaier did come to victory lane to congratulate Berry on the win. Allgaier was bummed the 7 did not get the win, but still happy for the JRM organization.
Behind Berry and Gibbs, top finishers were Sam Mayer, Noah Gragson, and Ryan Preece. The rest of the top-10 included Daniel Hemric, Justin Allgaier, Sheldon Creed, Trevor Bayne, and Myatt Snider. Hear from some of these drivers below.
While not defending the win from last year, @TyGibbs_ leaves Charlotte in a strong 2nd-place. If he had overtime, “it definitely would have been different, I’d be standing in victory lane.” #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/gIbOboMq6J
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 28, 2022
Polesitter @sam_mayer_ walks away from Charlotte in 3rd, another string top-five, but says he definitely could have beaten the 54 if he had one more restart. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/FF4ZiIn1jX
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 28, 2022
After losing a cylinder in Stage 1, @NoahGragson fought all day to muster a 4th-place effort. Hear his post-race reactions here. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/XlR3tGEP5H
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 28, 2022
5th-place finisher @RyanPreece_ talks about changing track conditions all race long, especially with the resin in the higher lanes.
Preece will try and make it 3 strong races from Charlotte tomorrow. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/k33421nh76
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) May 28, 2022
After a few weeks on traditional intermediate tracks, the Xfinity Series will visit a brand new venue next week. Portland International Raceway is next for Xfinity teams, marking the second road course of 2022. With an all new circuit, AJ Allmendinger has to be seen as a heavy favorite heading into the Pacific Automation 147. Coverage is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
