Justin Allgaier achieved a career milestone by clinching the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship title after overcoming two penalties and overtime in a thrilling Saturday night race at Phoenix Raceway.
The race, held on November 9, 2024, was filled with drama, challenges, and an exhilarating finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Justin Allgaier’s 2024 NASCAR Xfinity series championship title victory marked a significant moment not only for him but also for JR Motorsports, as it was their first title win since 2018. The feat also celebrates Chevrolet’s 22nd drivers championship win in the series.
However, the race began with Allgaier facing adversity right from the start. After crashing during practice the day before, he was forced to switch to a backup car, which meant he had to start at the back of the 38-car field.
Despite this setback, the Illinois native quickly demonstrated his skill and determination, racing through the pack and breaking into the top 10 within just 26 laps. His No. 7 Chevrolet showed impressive speed, and it became clear that he was a contender for the championship despite his earlier misfortunes.
Riley Herbst driving for Stewart-Haas Racing set the tone early at Phoenix Raceway by winning both Stage 1 and Stage 2 thanks to a strong performance, that showcased his ability to maintain control and pace on the track. However, as the race progressed into its final stages the dynamics began to shift dramatically.
Midway through the race, Allgaier faced another challenge when he made contact with Herbst, causing his left rear tire to lose air. This incident forced him to drop several positions, and ultimately finished the second stage in 10th place.
The situation got much worse for Justin Allgaier during a restart when he incurred two consecutive penalties: one for an improper restart and another for speeding on pit road. This sequence of events pushed him down to 35th place and left him a lap behind the leaders.
However, fortune smiled upon the 38-year old driver when a caution was triggered by Anthony Alfredo’s crash with just 45 laps remaining. This timely caution allowed him to regain his position on the lead lap, reigniting his hopes to win the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity series championship title.
With renewed vigor, Allgaier began methodically working his way back through the field. As the laps dwindled down and tension mounted, another caution came out due to Leland Honeyman’s crash on Lap 199.
This incident led to an overtime restart that would prove crucial for Allgaier’s championship aspirations. During this pit stop before overtime, JR Motorsports opted for four fresh tires—two new ones on the right side—which positioned him well for the final sprint.
When the green flag waved again for overtime with just two laps left, Justin Allgaier found himself in prime position to capitalize on his fresh tires. He executed a brilliant maneuver to pass Austin Hill and Cole Custer during the restart.
This decisive move not only put him in contention for victory but also secured him the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity series championship title as he crossed the finish line in second ahead of his Championship 4 rivals.
“I said all weekend, I don’t know what the plan is, but HE has a reason for everything and tonight is true of that, this is mind-blowing, it really is,” said Allgaier, whose voice was already hoarse and strained from screaming in happiness.
“This team never gave up. [Crew chief] Jim Pohlman and his leadership skills are second to none. He told me all weekend that we were going to have a chance and we tried to give it away every way we could.”
Riley Herbst ultimately won the race itself but finished behind Allgaier in terms of championship points. Herbst’s victory at Phoenix Raceway marked his second win of the season and showcased his potential as a rising star in NASCAR.
Despite finishing first in this race, Riley Herbst could not capture the championship title considering Allgaier’s superior performance throughout the season.
“I knew we were going to have a fast race car, these guys have been working on this race car and I knew we were going to be really really fast,” said Herbst.
“It’s been a really tough week at the shop, really emotional time. I’m forever grateful to every man and woman at Stewart-Haas Racing they gave me a really fast car today and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Reigning champion Cole Custer finished eighth in his No. 00 SHR Ford while Las Vegas playoffs winner AJ Allmendinger took ninth place. Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill rounded out the top ten after failing to match Allgaier’s pace during those critical final laps.
While Custer had been poised to secure consecutive Xfinity titles earlier in the race, he ultimately fell short against Allgaier’s late-race surge.
“I’m really happy for Justin; that was a long time coming,” said Custer. “He’s definitely a deserving champion and they ran a great race, especially there at the end.”
The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity series championship title win is particularly significant for Justin Allgaier as it marks his first title after previously finishing as runner-up in both 2020 and 2023.
Over his career spanning fourteen seasons in the Xfinity Series, he has amassed an impressive record of 25 race wins but had never before secured a championship title until now.
The night at Phoenix Raceway also served as a moment of pride for JR Motorsports and its owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who praised Allgaier’s dedication and hard work throughout his career. “I’m just excited for Justin—it’s been an incredible career and he’s worked so hard,” Earnhardt Jr. remarked after the race.
As NASCAR looks forward to its offseason before kicking off the next season at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2025, fans are left buzzing from this thrilling conclusion to the Xfinity Series season.
The dramatic twists and turns of this championship race serve as a reminder of why NASCAR remains one of America’s most beloved motorsports—combining skillful driving with unpredictable outcomes that keep fans engaged until the very last lap.
