As the NASCAR Xfinity Series approaches its postseason, the spotlight is on Justin Allgaier, who is making a significant impact and raising the bar for the defending champion, Cole Custer of Stewart-Haas Racing. The points gap between the top two drivers in speedway events and overall standings is considerable, reflecting a clear lead for Allgaier this season.
A recent post by a Canadian NASCAR journalist detailed the top drivers on speedway tracks, showcasing Allgaier at the top of the list with 137 points. Custer, currently ranked fourth, has accumulated 111 points, placing him 26 points behind Allgaier. This contrast is striking compared to last year’s performance, highlighting a major shift in the dynamics between the two drivers.
In the previous season, Allgaier’s performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway was less impressive. He managed only 39 points and finished 29th and 17th in the two races held at the track. In contrast, Custer had a standout performance, earning 68 points with finishes of third and twelfth. This year, however, both drivers faced difficulties. During the Atlanta race, both Allgaier and Custer were involved in an unfortunate accident, impacting their overall results.
Before the accident occurred, Allgaier was dominating the race. He led Stage 1 and secured a top 10 position in Stage 2, finishing in seventh place. Custer was also performing well, holding eighth place in Stage 1 and third place in Stage 2. However, both drivers struggled after the crash. Custer completed 144 laps and finished in 31st place, while Allgaier completed 146 laps, ending up in 30th place.
Throughout the 2023 Xfinity Series, Custer had a strong record, ranking in the top 5 fourteen times and in the top 10 twenty-one times. Allgaier surpassed him with fifteen top 5 finishes and twenty top 10 finishes. Allgaier’s strong performances on speedways have been a consistent feature of his career, and he has continued to excel in the 2024 season, solidifying his lead over Custer.
In recent races, Allgaier has demonstrated his prowess. At the Daytona International Speedway on August 23, he finished in seventh place, led 35 laps, and excelled in both Stage 1 and Stage 2, earning an additional ten points in each stage. Custer, on the other hand, faced challenges, finishing 19th in Stage 1, dropping to 33rd in Stage 2, and receiving a black flag.
Allgaier’s success also extended to the Michigan International Speedway race on August 17, where he secured a victory. Custer, however, encountered misfortune once again; his Ford suffered significant damage while attempting to take the lead during the 111th lap, resulting in a DNF and a 30th-place finish.
As the playoffs draw nearer, Allgaier’s impressive performances and Custer’s recent difficulties are reshaping the competitive landscape of the Xfinity Series. The season’s outcome will be closely watched, with Allgaier’s continued dominance and Custer’s efforts to overcome his setbacks being key factors in the race for the championship.
