BRISTOL, Tenn. – Cole Custer won the Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday to clinch the regular season championship after Justin Allgaier finished 30th.
In what is expected to be the last race of the Xfinity Series – at least until 2026 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished seventh.
MORE: Race results
Allgaier entered the regular season finale with a 43-point lead over Custer. However, Allgaier was involved in three accidents and posted one of his worst finishes of the season.
Custer defeated Allgaier by three points to win the regular season championship.
“It’s just incredible,” Custer said. “It’s a testament to these guys. It’s been a really tough month, but everyone in the shop has really kept their heads.”
Sheldon Creed earned his 13th second-place finish, tying the series record for most second-place finishes without a win. Chandler Smith was third, rookie Jesse Love was fourth and Ryan Truex rounded out the top five.
Earnhardt had problems with the radio during the race. During an early caution, he came into the pits to change his helmet. He took off his goggles and did not get them back before the start. He later got them back from the crew.
How was the race without his glasses?
“I just can’t see the dashboard, can’t read the little numbers,” he said. “You ask, how hot (is the engine)? I mean, it’s 200 and so on. But I can see just fine through the windshield.”
Winner of the 1st stage: Chandler Smith
Winner of the 2nd stage: Jeremy Clements
Who drove a good race: After winning the series championship last year, Cole Custer came back this year to capture the regular-season title, putting him in good position for another title shot. … Chandler Smith’s third-place finish is his fifth consecutive top-10 finish. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished seventh in his only series start this year.
Who had a bad race: Justin Allgaier, who led the first 60 laps, was involved in three accidents and received a pit stop penalty before finishing 30th and losing the regular season championship.
Next: The playoffs begin Saturday, September 28, at Kansas Speedway (4 p.m. ET on CW).
