The NASCAR Xfinity Series is gearing up for its playoffs, and Justin Allgaier is setting a high standard for defending champion Cole Custer of Stewart-Haas Racing. The gap in points between the top two drivers in speedway performance is significant, giving the JR Motorsports driver a solid advantage this season. A Canadian NASCAR journalist recently posted a ranking of the top 10 drivers on speedway tracks, and Allgaier is leading the pack with 137 points, while Custer sits in fourth with 111 points. This gives Allgaier a 26-point edge over Custer, marking a notable shift from last year.
In the previous season, Allgaier managed only 39 points, finishing 29th and 17th in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In contrast, Custer excelled, earning 68 points with finishes of third and twelfth. However, this year has not unfolded as expected for either driver, as they were involved in an unfortunate accident during the race. Prior to the incident, Allgaier was in command during Stage 1, finishing first, and maintained a strong position in Stage 2, ending up seventh. Meanwhile, Custer was eighth in Stage 1 and climbed to third in Stage 2.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is poised to kick off its playoffs, and Justin Allgaier is setting a formidable challenge for reigning champion Cole Custer from Stewart-Haas Racing. The disparity in points between the leading drivers on speedways is quite pronounced, giving the JR Motorsports competitor a significant lead this season. A Canadian NASCAR journalist recently shared a list of the top 10 drivers on speedway tracks, with Allgaier topping the chart at 137 points, while Custer trails in fourth with 111 points. This gives Allgaier a 26-point advantage over Custer, highlighting a dramatic change from the previous year.
Last season, Allgaier only managed to score 39 points, finishing 29th and 17th in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, while Custer thrived, racking up 68 points with finishes of third and twelfth. However, this year has taken an unexpected turn for both drivers, as they were caught up in an unfortunate accident during the race. Before the crash, Allgaier was leading Stage 1, finishing in first place, and held a strong position in Stage 2, where he finished seventh.
Following their mishap in the final stage of the race, Cole found himself completing only 144 laps, which ultimately placed him in 31st position. In contrast, the driver of the #7 car managed to complete 146 laps, securing a slightly better finish in 30th place. This performance disparity highlights the challenges faced by Cole during the race, as even a couple of laps can significantly impact final standings.
Throughout the 2023 Xfinity Series, Custer demonstrated remarkable skill by achieving a top 5 finish on fourteen occasions and consistently breaking into the top 10 a total of twenty-one times. His ability to perform well in various races showcased his competitiveness and determination. On the other hand, Justin Allgaier had an impressive season as well, reaching the top 5 fifteen times and finishing in the top 10 twenty times. This consistency has made him a formidable contender in the series.
Since the previous season, Allgaier has particularly excelled on speedways, showcasing a level of performance that has set him apart from his competitors, including Custer. As the 2024 season begins to unfold, Allgaier’s exceptional performance is becoming increasingly evident, as he continues to outshine Custer in various aspects of racing.
In their most recent outing prior to the race at Atlanta Motorsport Speedway, the drivers faced off at Daytona International Speedway on August 23. During this race, the #7 driver, Allgaier, finished in an impressive seventh place. Not only did he secure a top 10 finish, but he also led for a remarkable 35 laps, demonstrating his dominance on the track. His performance was particularly noteworthy as he managed to dominate both Stages 1 and 2 of the race, earning an additional ten points in each stage. This achievement not only reflects his skill and strategy but also positions him as a strong contender as the season progresses.
The #00 driver started Stage 1 in nineteenth place but fell to thirty-third by the conclusion of Stage 2, and he also received a black flag. On August 17, the JR Motorsports driver claimed victory at the Michigan International Speedway. However, the defending champion faced another setback during the race. While attempting to gain the lead on lap 111, his Ford sustained significant damage, leading to a DNF and a finish in thirtieth place.
JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier Takes the Lead: Analyzing His Performance Against Cole Custer’s 2024 Xfinity Stats
