NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Fans React To AJ Allmendinger Holding Off Ryan Sieg, Capturing Ambetter Health 302 At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

By
Jeff Hawkins
Author photo
Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

Get to know Jeff Hawkins better
Sports Editor

Published8 hours ago on October 19, 2024

Disclosure
We publish independently audited information that meets our strong editorial guidelines. Be aware we may earn a commission if you purchase anything via links on our pages.
NASCAR Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series-Ambetter Health 302

After winning his first NASCAR Xfinity Series event this season and clinching a spot in next month’s Championship 4 race, AJ Allmendinger sent out well wishes to his team and its owner. 

“I absolutely love these guys and gals at Kaulig Racing,” Allmendinger told USA Network. “We stick together.” 

Allmendinger then turned his attention to team owner Matt Kaulig.  

“Happy birthday, Matt,” he shouted. 

Runner-up Ryan Sieg probably wanted to shout, too. 

Shout in frustration.  

The non-playoff pilot’s circuit winless streak extended to 364 starts. 

X (Twitter) users responded Saturday to the start of the Xfinity Series’ three-event Round of 8 playoff series … 

The scene was set … 

The starting call went out … 

Cole Custer proved to have an early dominant machine, claiming Stage 1 bonus points … 

Shan van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet needed a push off the track. The rookie placed last … 

After falling short during the first stage, Justin Allgaier took care of business at the close of Stage 2 … 

Remember when … 

Kyle Busch may be setting circuit records that will last forever … 

Jesse Love’s pit crew tends to the No. 2 Chevrolet. They did yeoman’s work as Love earned a P6 …

Taylor Gray, who will take over the No. 54 Toyota next season, went for a spin off a restart and placed P33 … 

Sammy Smith’s pit crew puts a Band-Aid on the No. 8 Chevrolet, but on Lap 196, Smith’s machine lost power, which signaled a late caution …

 

Allmendinger remained in control during Stage 3. On Lap 190, Sieg rode side-by-side with Allmendinger, but got loose and lost momentum. Twenty-one laps earlier Sieg trailed Allmendinger by 3.3 seconds … 

As Allmendinger pulled away, Allgaier endured Stage 3 problems …  

Sieg tried, but ran out of rotations …

Allmendinger smoked the Las Vegas competition … 

Xfinity tranquility … 

Tags

Author photo
Jeff Hawkins
Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

Get to know Jeff Hawkins better
Author photo
Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

All posts by Jeff Hawkins