AVONDALE, Ariz. — Another unpredictable win at Phoenix Raceway as Justin Allgaier delivered a veteran performance during the GOVX 200 race to win in the closing laps. Driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Allgaier pushed his way to the front from deep in the field during the final stage with just over 10 laps remaining.
Allgaier led only the final 11 laps of the 200-lap race, but it was enough to secure the victory in one of the most competitive races of the early season.
This is Allgaier’s third career victory at Phoenix Raceway and has pushed him to the top of the series standings. “This place is always intense,” Allgaier said after climbing from his car in victory lane. “Track position matters, but tonight it was about fighting back and making the most of those late restarts.”
For much of the night, the spotlight belonged to the fierce battle between Jesse Love, driver of the No 2 car, and Carson Kvapil, driver of the No. 1 car. Sheldon Creed in the No. 00 was making some power moves as well. Love controlled much of the race and appeared to have this race in his hand. He has led 114 laps and consistently held the advantage during long green-flag runs. But with a couple of cautions, the lead was far from secure.
Through multiple restarts and pit cycles, the trio exchanged the lead several times as teams experimented with strategy and tire wear on the tight one-mile oval. Phoenix Raceway’s signature dogleg on the backstretch encouraged aggressive moves, and the leaders frequently fanned out three-wide entering Turn 1 while battling through heavy traffic.
Drivers took advantage of the wide dogleg to gain some positive position, while creating dramatic moments as they fought through every inch of the track. The cautions added to the drama throughout the race and the running order intensified the battle for the number one spot. Each restart was very critical for each of the drivers. Allgaier quietly worked his way forward, methodically climbing from outside the top 20 during the final stage.
With just over 10 laps remaining, Allgaier zoomed around Love on the outside line through Turns 3 and 4 to take over the lead for the first time all night and didn’t look back. From there, the veteran driver controlled the final laps, holding off Love and the rest of the field to capture the checkered flag.
Love finished second after dominating much of the race, while Kvapil coming in third as this completed the podium.
The win continues a strong start to the season for Allgaier and JR Motorsports as the NASCAR O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series heads to Las Vegas next.
For the fans in Arizona, the race delivered exactly the kind of excitement Phoenix Raceway is known for. The mile-long oval, with its unique layout and limited room for error, consistently produces dramatic finishes and daring moves. Tonights race was no different.
