AVONDALE – The second closest Xfinity Series race happened on Saturday, as a late caution flag costs the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Justin Allgaier at the end and allows Aric Almirola to pass on the final overtime lap to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series GovX200 at Phoenix Raceway.
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Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Aric Almirola with wife Janice Almirola, son Alex Almirola and daughter Abby Almirola during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Allgaier had the race won at Phoenix Raceway. Four laps to go, Allgaier held a a comfortable lead over the field, until a late caution flag forced a two-lap overtime period that gave Almirola hope. The 40-year-old announced last year that he would be on a part-time racing scheudule to spend more time with his family. However, tonight he gets to celebrate with his wife and two kids on victory lane at Avondale.
Nov 2, 2024; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Aric Almirola (20) wins the National Debt Relief 250 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Almirola celebration after winning the GovX200:
SHOCKER! ARIC ALMIROLA WINS THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES GOVX200 IN OVERTIME AT PHOENIX RACEWAY!!!#NASCAR #PhoenixRaceway pic.twitter.com/5x6nTqOUjh
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) March 9, 2025
Stage One:
The Tucson native Alex Bowman showed out in Stage one at Phoenix Raceway starting at first position and ending there after 46 laps. The 31-year-old dominated the courses, getting the fastest lap in stage one with the field behind them. Bowman and his crew were in sync a quarter through the race, with the other drivers needing to pick up the pace.
Current GovX200 leader Alex Bowman at @phoenixraceway for NASCAR Xfinity Series with a crisp pit stop after stage 1.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/kTqtVEmZ7K
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) March 8, 2025
Stage Two:
However, a caution flag to start stage 2 allowed for former Xfinity Champion Justin Allgaier to turn back the clock at Phoenix Raceway. In 2019, Allgaier won the NASCAR Xfinity Championship race at Phoenix Raceway and showed his experience on the track by passing over Coleman for the lead.
Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA;NASCAR Cup Series driver Justin Allgaier (40) walks to the drivers meeting before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Coleman fell to third behind Almirola at the end of stage 2. The top three was highly contested to begin the final stage between the trio, with Brandon Jones slowing rising the ranks to just be outside the top 3 in the final 100 laps.
Mar 8, 2025; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) during qualifying for the Shrines Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Final Stage:
Bowman wasn’t going to let Allgaier cruise to the checkered flag, glued to the Xfinity’s champion bumper throughout the final 50 laps of the race. The duo were duking it out on every turn, while Almirola dreams of winning were fading.
However, in the final few laps, a caution flag was thrown after a spill by Mason Massey that turned the race on its head. Just like Friday’s General Tire, the GovX200 was going into overtime. The extra laps gifted Almirola one more chance to pass the leader in Allgaier. In the final lap, Allgaier and Bowman’s aggressive driving open the way for Almirola to swoop in and just peak out the win over Bowman in an electric finish.
Saturday at Phoenix Raceway was Almirola’s eighth career NASCAR Xfinity win and celebrates with his family.
NASCAR Xfinity Series at Phoenix GovX200 starting lineup and preview
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
