Ahead of the NASCAR Championship weekend, Justin Allgaier shared his honest thoughts about his strong chances of conquering back-to-back Xfinity titles. The JR Motorsports driver will defend the esteemed trophy against his two Chevy teammates and one Richard Childress Racing driver.
With a career of more than 16 years in the stock-car racing series, Justin Allgaier will bring plenty of experience to Phoenix Raceway. In the past, the No. 7 driver has won twice in ‘the valley of the sun’. Moreover, in his last appearance earlier this year, the 39-year-old led a race-high of 130 laps followed by a fifth-place finish.
In a recent press release by Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned JRM, Allgaier made his feelings known about the upcoming finale in Arizona. He said:
“This is what we have all worked so hard for, to get to Phoenix with a chance to race for a championship. To have three JRM Chevrolets in this final four is amazing and just a testament to everyone back at JR Motorsports. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture team is ready to go this weekend.”
Furthermore, Allgaier reflected on the spring race and exuded strong confidence in defending his Xfinity title. He continued:
“We had a great car here in the spring and I feel like we have a really strong notebook for what we will need when we unload on Friday. If we can just go out and execute to the best of our abilities, I think we are going to have a strong chance to accomplish something great on Saturday night.”
JRM drivers Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil will join the veteran driver Allgaier at Phoenix Raceway. To tackle the three JRM drivers, RCR’s young sensation Jesse Love will battle for a maiden Xfinity trophy.
Denny Hamlin reveals why he picked Justin Allgaier for the NASCAR Xfinity Championship race
In a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin acknowledged Connor Zilisch’s dominant Xfinity season and as the top seed in terms of speed. However, he claimed Justin Allgaier’s past performance at Phoenix will overpower the rest three.
“The seven car last year was very, very dominan, Denny Hamlin said. “You got to think he’s going to be pretty tough again. But you also got the 88. I think it’s still going to be a close one; Justin’s experience at Phoenix will counter whatever success that the 88 has had throughout the season.”
Hamlin continued:
“His car is going to be just as prepared as the 88; he’s not going to get beat. on equipment… Justin’s my pick.”
Before heading for the finale race, Justin Allgaier has amassed three wins, 14 top-fives. Meanwhile, his teammate Zilisch has headlined the Xfinity season with 10 wins and 19 top-fives.
The NASCAR Xfinity series will be live in action for one last time this season on Saturday, November 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Edited by Sashwat Deo
