NASCAR veteran Justin Allgaier has etched his name deeper into the history books by surpassing his team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., on the all-time Xfinity Series wins list. In a thrilling race at Michigan International Speedway, Allgaier, piloting the #7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, took the checkered flag at the Cabo Wabo 250, marking his 25th career victory in the Xfinity Series. This victory was not just another win; it was a milestone that reflected Allgaier’s resilience, skill, and the unwavering support of his team.
Allgaier’s victory at Michigan was hard-earned, and it came as a result of a meticulously executed strategy, particularly during the race’s overtime finish. The 38-year-old driver managed his fuel perfectly, a crucial factor that allowed him to edge out his competitors in the final laps. Speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after the race, Allgaier was quick to express his gratitude to his team at JR Motorsports. “We’ve put ourselves in position so many times to win one here, but it just seemed like nothing ever went our way,” he reflected, alluding to the near-misses that have marked his previous attempts at Michigan. “Last year’s race was a perfect example. We had arguably the best car, but a spin on pit road ruined our chances, and we just didn’t have enough time to recover.”
Allgaier’s appreciation for his team was evident as he continued, “I cannot say thank you enough to the team. Everybody in Junior Motorsports, everybody at the Hendrick motor shop, they’ve worked tirelessly to get us to this point.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation, noting that success in racing is about more than just what happens on the track. “Just going over everything we possibly can to rebound and put ourselves in good position… This team, everybody that’s a part of it, is really special. Today, we executed at a high level, which is exactly what we need to do to make it into the final rounds of the playoffs and ultimately win a championship. This one’s going to be special for a while.”
This win at Michigan holds significant weight for Allgaier, not just because of the milestone it represents, but also because of the journey he has taken with JR Motorsports. Now in his ninth full-time season with the team, Allgaier has been a consistent performer, but the elusive Xfinity Series championship has remained just out of reach. His best finish in the series standings was a runner-up position in 2023, behind Cole Custer. Despite this, Allgaier’s determination has never wavered, and with this recent victory, he has propelled himself to second place in the overall standings for the 2024 season, just 12 points behind the leader. In the 21 races so far this season, Allgaier has accumulated six top-five finishes and 12 top-10 finishes, further solidifying his status as a top contender.
Reflecting on his career and the pursuit of a championship, Allgaier shared his thoughts in an episode of Victory Lane with Davey Segal. The veteran driver spoke candidly about the drive that keeps him going, even after 15 years and over 450 races in the Xfinity Series. “No matter what happens when the last time you jump behind the wheel of a race car, you want to know that you left everything on the table, that you gave 100% every time you went to the racetrack,” he said. “None of us would be okay with walking out of the pit area knowing that we didn’t give it 100%. And if it’s not meant to be on that given day, then I’m going to keep digging until I can’t.”
Allgaier’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his refusal to settle for anything less than his best has earned him respect both on and off the track. His career has been marked by highs and lows, but his focus has always remained on the ultimate goal: winning a championship. With the 2024 season in full swing and momentum on his side, Allgaier is closer than ever to realizing that dream.
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series moves forward, Justin Allgaier and his #7 team are gearing up for their next challenge at the Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida on August 23. The high-speed, unpredictable nature of Daytona will undoubtedly test Allgaier and his team, but if his recent performances are any indication, they will be ready to meet that challenge head-on. The journey to the top is never easy, but Allgaier’s determination, coupled with the strength of his team, makes him a formidable competitor in the race for the 2024 Xfinity Series championship.
