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By Michael Jaworecki
Its Bristol Motor Speedways turn to host the last NASCAR Xfinity race prior to the playoffs with The Food City 300. Beautiful weather and the added attraction of the always popular Dale Earnhardt Jr. would draw a big Friday night crowd. This would also be in the inaugural broadcast for NASCAR Xfinity series on the CW.
A front row of Chandler Smith #81 and Justin Allgaier #7 brought the field to green with Allgaier jumping to an early lead. Stage one will be 85 laps.
Trouble very early as Cole Custer #00 had his right front go flat bringing out a caution. While under yellow Dale Earnhardt Jr. pitted to address radio issues losing more than 20 positions. The problem was not solved, and he will have to switch to a backup helmet which is sitting on pit road waiting for him.
Shane Van Gisbergen has 3 wins this year all on road courses but a top finish will be tough, and he is languishing in the 32nd early.
Cole Custer has been moving up through the field after his pit stop and not far behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. is also moving up. Sam Mayer #1 started last because of an unapproved adjustment but worked his way up to 19th on lap 48.
By lap 41 Justin Allgaier has lapped up to 30th place but unfortunately Austin Green #32 had an issue bouncing off the wall and catching the rear of the #7. Austin would have to pit for repairs. On this same caution Dale Earnhardt Jr. would pit to switch helmets and attempted clear up his communication issues he will restart 26th, last car on the lead lap.
Chandler Smith would take the lead on the restart and would cruise to a stage 1 win. Wholesale pit stops would be coming up as most cars have not been pit side for new tires.
The start of stage two would have a whole new look as Ryan Seig #39 and Brandon Jones #9 would bring the field to green. Both of those drivers need a win to advance in the playoffs. Sam Mayer #1 would pass both and jump out to a comfortable lead with Justin Allgaier minus a rear bumper cover running second.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. after several stage one pitstops would now be in 6th place.
Matt DiBenedetto had his car die on lap 108 sending him to the pits.
Lap 121 the #48 of Parker Kligerman went for a long slide bringing out the caution. Parker luckily did not hit anything.
On the restart Sam Mayer would charge back to the lead. Justin Allgaier would follow until a bobble would allow Cole Custer the chance to move to second. They would race that way using the high groove near the wall until on lap 151 Cole Custer dove low and took the lead.
At this point Justin Allgaier’s night went from bad to worse after contact with the #18 of Sheldon Creed sent him into the inside wall. A lot of damage to the right front and the splitter and leaving his pit with a saw under the car.
Jeremy Clements #51 who would need a win to get into the playoffs took the stage two lead late and cruised to the stage win over Cole Custer who made a huge comeback from an early flat tire, It was Jeremy’s first stage win.
The third and final stage would be the longest at 130 laps. One driver would be able to relax as Parker Klingerman earned enough stage points to qualify for the playoffs.
Sheldon Creed would lead early in the third and would watch the battle for second all back in his rear-view mirror.
Justin Allgaier’s night would continue to get worth with a flat tire and spin bringing out the last caution.
After the restart Cole Custer would take the lead and move to the top of the regular season points championship by 4 points over the struggling Justin Allgaier.
Back in the pack Dale Earnhardt J. had a fast car staying in the top 6th for many laps trying to get by Ryan Truex #20 not being to make the pass. Lap cars kept taking out the bottom lane and making passed impossible Right behind that pair Brandon Jones who needs to win to make the playoffs but was unable make a pass until 32 to go when he got by Dale Jr. .
Rookie Jesse Love #2 had never seen Bristol Motor Speedway before and with 49 laps to go was running 4th right behind Chandler Smith fighting for 3rd place.
The race would continues under green for the last 94 laps with Cole Custer taking the NASCAR Xfinity Dood City 300 and the regular season Championship.
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