NASCAR
AJ Allmendinger Takes Second Xfinity Win of Season in Nashville
LEBANON, Tenn. – The Xfinity Series put on one of its best shows of 2023 at Nashville Superspeedway. Wrecks, different leaders and diverging strategies were all on the table in the Tennessee Lottery 250. In the end AJ Allmendinger took home another win with Kaulig Racing, leaving the field in the dust.
Stage 1 would go to Ty Gibbs with relative ease. Once the No. 19 Toyota found the point, the defending Xfinity Series champion looked untouchable. Gibbs’ day would be very short-lived though, being taken out on the Stage 2 restart when Austin Hill slid wide. After three cautions fell in the opening 20 laps, the attrition factor was raised at this point.
Another Gibbs car would be taken out only a few laps later, when Sheldon Creed got loose underneath Sammy Smith. Another Smith, Kaulig rookie Chandler Smith, would outlast Stage 2 over Cole Custer.
Kaulig Racing’s strength was on display late from all three cars with. Smith, Daniel Hemric, and eventually AJ Allmendinger all spent time out front. When the 10 of Allmendinger took command, he began to drive off.
Both Chandler Smith and Cole Custer leapfrogged Allmendinger by pitting a lap earlier than the 10 under green. Despite this deficit, the 16 methodically stalked down and passed both drivers once again.
AJ retook the lead with 12 laps left, with Parker Kligerman staying out hoping for a caution. Two minor incidents sent this race into double overtime, but Allmendinger could not be stopped. The No. 10 Chevrolet would cruise to a dominant win while others wrecked behind him at the checkers.
“I’m kind of old for this, it’s hot,” Allmendinger said. “Can’t believe I have a race tomorrow now. All thanks goes to all the men and women at Kaulig Racing. Bailey Zimmerman flew in from Chicago this morning, awesome to win a race for him.”
“The car was really good. We got caught up in that wreck on that one restart. I thought our chance to win was over, but the guys did such a great job fixing it.”
Can’t thank everybody enough for putting this show on and this car together. Just so proud of it. This is one of those iconic trophies you want to win. What a cool way to do it. I don’t play guitar, Bailey’s going to have to teach me now.”
“Anytime you win any race it’s special. You never know when it’s your last win. All of these wins are amazing. I love winning on ovals, because I know a lot of people doubt me. What a day and a time. Life is good.”
Behind Allmendinger, the Nashville top-10 were: Riley Herbst, Sam Mayer, Austin Hill, Josh Berry, John Hunter Nemechek, Zane Smith, Daniel Hemric, Cole Custer, and Parker Retzlaff. Hear from some of these drivers below.
Up next for the NASCAR Xfinity Series is the Chicago Street Course. What could be the biggest wildcard race of the season looms ahead for all drivers. The Loop 121 goes green Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET on USA, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. No Cup Series talent allowed in this race opens the door for a potential upset winner.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
