Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

Justin Allgaier has a complex relationship with Phoenix Raceway. The 1-mile oval is the site of his coronation as NASCAR Xfinity Series champion last fall, plus home to two of his 25 career victories.

Justin Allgaier keeps the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Aric Almirola at bay to claim the Stage 2 win at Phoenix.

NASCAR's race officials released this weekend's schedule at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Xfinity Series’ drivers entry list for The LiUNA!

Allgaier and Aric Almirola raced for the lead into turn one on the final restart, but Allgaier overdrove his No. 7 into the corner, forcing himself and Almirola up the track. With a path cleared, Alex Bowman shot through to the race lead.

1. Jesse Love, 143 (1). 2. Justin Allgaier, 141 (0). 5. Sammy Smith, 121 (0). 6. Sheldon Creed, 115 (0). 9. Christian Eckes, 103 (0). 11. Aric Almirola, 97 (1).

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Aric Almirola and Alex Bowman made contact racing for the win before Almirola nipped Bowman at the finish line to end a chaotic overtime in Saturday’s Xfinity race at Phoenix Raceway. Bowman finished second. Brandon Jones was third, Ryan Sieg placed fourth in a backup car and Justin Allgaier completed the top five.

Aric Almirola is the winner in his overtime NASCAR XFinity series victory at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on March 8, 2025.