NASCAR
Aric Almirola Steals Inaugural Xfinity Sonoma Race From Larson
SONOMA, Calif. – In an Xfinity race loaded with Cup Series talent, it is not surprising one of these veterans won. What is a surprise though is who grabbed this inaugural Sonoma victory and how they got it done.
After taking command on a late restart, Aric Almirola held the lead over a dominant Kyle Larson. The Hendrick 17 made a critical mistake chasing down the No. 28 Ford from RSS Racing, allowing Almirola to slip away for the victory. The Georgia-based underdog team takes their first career Xfinity triumph. Hoping to gain valuable Sonoma insight, Almirola now has more confidence for Sunday’s Cup race.
Kyle Larson’s No. 17 Chevrolet from Hendrick Motorsports was without doubt the class of the field. Over a second better than anyone in practice and qualifying, Larson easily swept the opening two Stages.
Lap 60 would prove to be a turning point of this race, when Jeffrey Earnhardt spun off of turn 10. At this time, Larson’s 13-second advantage was erased. Others staying out on the restart let Almirola snag the lead, but a quicker Larson was closing in.
While within sight of the lead on lap 72, Larson clipped a tire pack in turn 11. This sent the 17 off line and cost him second place, giving Almirola the gap needed to cruise.
Even with renowned road course talent AJ Allmendinger behind him, nobody could stop Almirola’s march to victory lane.
“This is so special,” Almirola said. “It’s hard to explain. I know it’s an Xfinity win. It’s not a Cup win, but after COTA I told Davin and Drew, ‘Man, I really don’t think I should run anymore road course races in the Xfinity car. It makes me look like a wanker and I lose self-confidence going into Sunday.’ But I knew that this racetrack, this is one I can run good at. I’ve run good here my whole career. I don’t know what it is about this place, but I love racing here.”
“I’m just so thankful to everybody on this race team. Everybody at SHR in the Xfinity shop. They take on a lot to not only bring their two cars to the racetrack, but to prepare a third car. I’m so thankful to Mike with Michael Roberts Construction to come on. Without him and Largo Concrete, we don’t get to run this race. I’m thankful to Ford and everybody that makes this deal work. All of our partners, Shady Rays, Pit Boss Grills, Firstform. It’s been a really tough year on the Cup side and to come out here and get a win and get to celebrate.”
“My kids came out. We’re gonna spend the week in California for our off week and they’re gonna get to go to Victory Lane. That is so special. The pictures we have at home with our family in Victory Lane mean the most to me, so I’m so excited to share this Victory Lane here. Also Caymus. We had a great dinner last night and drank a little bit of Caymus wine with our team and this is their hometown, so, man, this is awesome. I can’t wait to get to Victory Lane.”
Behind the front trio of Almirola, Allmendinger and Larson, the top-10 were: Ty Gibbs, Parker Kligerman, Cole Custer, Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Sammy Smith and Sam Mayer.
After the off week, the Xfinity Series returns to action at Nashville Superspeedway. The Tennessee Lottery 250 will go green Saturday, June 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The summer stretch is now in full swing, with the race to the Xfinity Series Playoffs only heating up from here.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Logan Riely/Getty Images for NASCAR
