Race 12 of 33: Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas Motor Speedway
Track Specs: 1.5-mile quad-oval / 208 laps
Race Winner: Kyle Larson
Smith’s finish: 18th
Kvapil’s finish: 19th
Allgaier’s finish: 35th
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson survived two overtime restarts to win Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. Larson, who was tapped earlier this week to fill in for Connor Zilisch as the young driver recovers from last weekend’s incident at Talladega, gave the No. 88 Blues Hog team its second victory of the season. Larson started 20th and placed second behind teammate Justin Allgaier in Stage One despite wrestling a Blues Hog Chevrolet that was too tight. He pitted during the stage break for four tires and a chassis adjustment, but was penalized for an uncontrolled tire on the stop and restarted 32nd when the race went green on lap 53. Larson steadily worked his way back into contention during Stage Two, climbing up to 11th when the segment ended on lap 90. The early laps of the final stage were a bit too exciting for Larson, who narrowly missed two incidents. He climbed up to second by the time he pitted on lap 151. A caution four laps later and pit stops by those on the lead lap who hadn’t yet visited pit road moved Larson to the lead when the race went green on lap 163. He was leading when a caution waved on lap 189 and pitted one lap later for four tires. Larson was the first car off pit road and restarted seventh on lap 193. Armed with fresher tires, he sliced his way through traffic and fought his way into contention for the win. Larson lined up second for the final restart on lap 207, quickly taking the lead and pulling away from the field to score the victory.
“There was a lot of survival I felt like through that race. I dodged some wrecks. We had to work on the balance quite a bit. It was a lot of fun. I felt like if I could ever get the lead, I could stretch it out. Thanks to JR Motorsports for letting me come over and run the Blues Hog Chevrolet today. I wish Connor (Zilisch) was in the car, but it means a lot to me that they asked for me to driver this weekend. I had a lot of fun today and it’s cool to get another win.”
Sammy Smith
Sammy Smith, driver of the No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet, started 22nd on Saturday afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway after rain forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying on Friday, setting the field per the NASCAR rule book. Looking to move forward in the early laps, Smith was collected in a multi-car accident that damaged the nose of his JR Motorsports Chevrolet. After making repairs, Smith rallied back to race into the top five in the closing laps before being collected in an incident on the exit of the fourth corner, causing damage to the right side of his car. After coming to pit road for more repairs, Smith returned to the track and climbed back to 18th at the checkered flag.
Smith started 22nd in the 200-lap event at Texas and was caught in the early incident that damaged the nose of his Pilot Chevrolet. Staying out to gain track position and stage points, Smith was able to gain 15 positions to finish 14th in Stage One. Crew chief Phillip Bell brought the 20-year-old driver down pit road to repair the nose damage. Stage Two saw the No. 8 team continue to make repairs to prepare for a charge in the final stage.
Smith earned the free pass award just as the final stage began and climbed to the front from there. He gained another 15 positions to eighth at lap 171. A late-race caution saw restart ninth and the young driver quickly moved into the top five before being caught in yet another incident. Smith restarted 20th in the overtime green-white-checkered start and finished 18th.
“Texas definitely wasn’t nice to us this weekend. Without qualifying, we started mid-pack and got caught up in an early mess. I’m proud of the fight the Pilot Chevrolet team showed today. It’s tough because we were in a position to have a good finish at the end, but I’m glad to have this team on my side and Phillip (Bell, crew chief) who keeps us in a good mindset. We’ll take this next couple of weeks off to refresh and get ready to attack the rest of the season.”
Carson Kvapil
After qualifying was cancelled due to weather, Carson Kvapil, driver of the No. 1 Carolina Carports Chevrolet, took the green flag in 13th position as the starting lineup was determined by the NASCAR rule book. Throught the first 45 laps, Kvapil battled the handling of his Chevrolet and was unable to maintain his position, but after avoiding several on-track incidents, he managed to make his way back into the top 15. After adjustments were made to the car and the end of Stage One, the rookie driver was able to make his way through the field to once again finish inside the top 15 when the second green-and-whote checkered flag was displayed. Kvapil would start the final stage just outside the top 10 in 12th, but unfortunately sustained damage in an incident on the initial restart. The No. 1 team was able to repair the car, but Kvapil would end up one lap down. He battled through the remaining laps, ultimately getting the free pass back to the lead lap in the 19th position.
“This No. 1 team gave me a fast piece for the weekend, but we weren’t able to nail the balance. I hate that we didn’t get a better finish for everyone at Carolina Carports, but I am so thankful for their support. We plan to use these two weeks off to regroup and come back stronger for Charlotte.”
Justin Allgaier
Justin Allgaier, driver of the No. 7 Jarrett Chevrolet, looked poised to fight for another victory in the closing laps of Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. Leading for a race-high 99 laps, Allgaier secured the win in Stage One and battled for the race lead with JR Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson throughout the final stage before the lone round of green-flag pit stops got underway on lap 152. After pitting for four fresh tires and fuel, Allgaier returned to the track in second and set his sights on closing the gap to Larson. However, while navigating through lapped traffic, Allgaier was collected in a multi-car incident that badly damaged the right side of the Jarrett Chevrolet and rendered him unable to continue. As a result, Allgaier was scored with a 35th-place finish.
“Our Jarrett Chevrolet was really strong today. Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) gave me a great car and it’s a testament to all of the work there guys on this No. 7 team put in week in and week out. To unload as strong as we did, with no practice or qualifying, is great. I just wish that things would have turned out better there at the end. It’s really unfortunate that we didn’t get the result we deserve, but I know we will come back ready to go after this two-week break.”
