NASCAR
John Hunter Nemechek Scorches Competition, Takes Second Win of Year Nashville
LEBANON, Tenn. – A day filled with triple-digit temperatures saw the competition singed by a dominant run. John Hunter Nemechek was the man to beat in the second half of the Nashville Xfinity race, earning career win number 11. Joe Gibbs Racing had the field covered again, leading to another Toyota triumph.
Both Stages would be split by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers moonlighting in Xfinity: Ty Gibbs and John Hunter Nemechek.
The No. 20 of Nemechek would lose the lead to Cole Custer early in Stage 3. AJ Allmendinger’s car also came to life not long afterwards. The No. 16 was gunning for a second-straight Nashville Xfinity victory.
A late yellow for a Ty Gibbs spin would prove to be the turning point of this race. Custer and Nemechek came off pit road in the top two spots, with Allmendinger set back by a slow stop. Nemechek retook command on the restart and set sail for Nashville victory lane.
“It was fast,” Nemechek said. “Overall, what a solid day. This Pye-Barker Toyota GR Supra was super-fast, as fast as Xfinity internet. Just so proud of these 20 guys – they are an amazing group. I’m just the honor to be able to hold the wheel for a few times this year. Thank you to Pye-Barker – everyone that supports. Pretty neat experience all around.”
“He’s (Tyler Allen, crew chief) filled the role pretty well, I would say – as well as this 20 group. They haven’t changed. I’m honored to work with them week-in and week-out. All glory to God.”
Behind Nemechek was teammate Chandler Smith, ahead of the RCR duo Jesse Love and Austin Hill. Noah Gragson, Riley Herbst, AJ Allmendinger, Justin Allgaier, Cole Custer, and Sam Mayer were the top-10. Hear from a few of these drivers below.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to action at the Chicago Street Course. Xfinity cars will make their second appearance in downtown Windy City on Saturday, with The Loop 110. Race coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Defending winner Cole Custer has yet to find victory lane in 2024; can he go back-to-back on the city streets?
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
