NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Fans Reply To Sammy Smith’s Last-Lap Pass To Claim United Rentals 250 At Talladega Superspeedway

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Jeff Hawkins
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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.  

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Published2 hours ago on October 05, 2024

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Executing a last-lap pass to enhance the iconic track’s tradition, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Sammy Smith secured a trip to the Round of 8.

Smith led only one lap during Saturday’s United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, but the No. 8 Chevrolet jumped to the top of the driver standings after entering the event as the last-ranked playoff pilot. 

“It’s been a really tough year,” Smith said, as reported by NASCAR.com. “It’s been a while and it’s been a struggle, but I’m very happy to be here and looking forward to getting better on these ovals and road courses.” 

To gain on-track wisdom before the second of three Round of 12 races, Smith reportedly huddled with car owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. last week.

The talk must have helped.  

X (Twitter) users responded to the overtime finish and another dramatic finish at Talladega … 

On the final restart, Smith (8) rallied, benefitting from a few pushes by Ryan Sieg (39). Riley Herbst (98) elected to go on the inside lane and Smith claimed the outside. Herbst initially sustained the advantage, but one lap later, Smith made his move … 

“The green flag is in the air” at the 2.66-mile tri-oval … 

As a last resort, the owner can always get the job done, right? … 

With three Laps remaining, Carson Kvapil failed to control a push from Brandon Jones and he spun out from P4, ingiting a traditional Talladega mele. Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, AJ Allmendinger, Jeb Burton, Cole Custer, Parker Kligerman, Dylan Lupton, pole-sitter Jesse Love, Blaine Perkins and Parker Retzlaff were involved, which triggered a red flag period. Herbst claimed the lead … 

Kvapil discussed his first Talladega experience … 

RCR Racing’s brass must have liked its Stage 2 positioning, paced by Austin Hill claiming the bonus points … 

Shane van Gisbergen (97) raced on the outside after checking up on the apron and contacted Dean Thompson’s machine. Among the drivers collected in the Lap 76 accident were Jordan Anderson, Taylor Gray, Hill, David Starr and Josh Williams … 

A new (old) Starr was born Saturday … 

Sheldon Creed continues to quietly piece together a quality campaign … 

After Talladega, here is an updated look at the playoffs … 

Talladega races are big – real big … 

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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.  

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