Larson claims Richmond Xfinity win in overtime
Kyle Larson has never been particularly stout at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway and Saturday was no different, but this time it didn’t matter.
Kyle Larson, Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet celebrates in victory lane
Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images
Larson inherited the lead after a restart violation by Ty Dillon and then held off Justin Allgaier in overtime to claim the unexpected victory in Saturday’s ToyotaCare 250.
The win is his second this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, seventh in his career and first at Richmond.
“I still suck here, though,” Larson quipped over his team radio as he took the checkered flag.
Allgaier, who led a race-high 157 of 250 laps, finished second, Daniel Hemric was third, Austin Dillon was fourth and Ryan Blaney rounded out the top-five.
“He got a good take-off but I was able to get to him in (Turn) 2,” Larson said of Allgaier about the final restart. “You just have to keep yourself in contention to win these things — and we were in contention.”
“I still have to work on long runs but tomorrow the competition is harder. You have to keep your tires underneath you — and I did that … definitely learned a little bit.”
Allgaier did receive a superb consolation prize, however. He was the top finisher among the four Dash4Cash qualifiers in the race and earned the $100,000 bonus – the second time he’s collected the bonus so far this season.
By winning two Dash4Cash bonuses this season, Allgaier gains automatic entry in the NASCAR playoffs. Allgaier, however, has already collected a win this season, which virtually assured him a spot in the playoffs.
“It’s very bittersweet today. I’m very dejected,” Allgaier said. “This one is going to hurt for a while.”
Stage 2
Allgaier took the lead from Austin Dillon on the restart of the second 75-lap Stage and never looked back, leading the way entire segment.
Austin Dillon finished second, Ty Dillon third, Kyle Larson fourth and Hemric rounded out the top five.
Kyle Benjamin (sixth) and Elliott Sadler (ninth) became the final two drivers to qualify for the $100,000 Dash4Cash bonus in the race, joining Allgaier and Hemric.
“We’re trying to fight our way through it. That was a good race with Brennan (Poole) to get the (Dash qualifying spot),” Sadler said on his team radio. “The track is slick and a lot of fun to race on today.”
Stage 1
Once Austin Dillon took the lead on Lap 37, he took full advantage and ran out to a seven-second lead before the close of the 75-lap first segment.
Allgaier finished second, Hemric was third, Ty Dillon fourth and Benjamin rounded out the top-five.
Allgaier and Hemric became the first two qualifiers for the $100,000 Dash4Cash bonus, which is paid to the highest finisher in the race among the four qualifiers.
“It’s definitely hot and slick and that’s what makes this race track fun,” Allgaier said on his team radio during the Stage break.
Three of the top-five finishers in Stage 1 belonged to Richard Childress Racing. Hemric won the $100,000 bonus last weekend at Bristol, Tenn.
Cla | # | Driver | Manufacturer | Laps | Time | Laps Led |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 42 | Kyle Larson | Chevrolet | 254 | 10 | |
2 | 7 | Justin Allgaier | Chevrolet | 254 | 0.105 | 157 |
3 | 21 | Daniel Hemric | Chevrolet | 254 | 3.092 | 26 |
4 | 2 | Austin Dillon | Chevrolet | 254 | 3.553 | 58 |
5 | 22 | Ryan Blaney | Ford | 254 | 5.001 | |
6 | 6 | Darrell Wallace Jr. | Ford | 254 | 5.293 | |
7 | 1 | Elliott Sadler | Chevrolet | 254 | 5.706 | |
8 | 5 | Michael Annett | Chevrolet | 254 | 6.228 | |
9 | 98 | Casey Mears | Ford | 254 | 6.295 | |
10 | 23 | Spencer Gallagher | Chevrolet | 254 | 6.325 |
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments