Get ready for some high-octane action because Justin Allgaier just claimed the pole position for tonight’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and it’s a moment that’s as thrilling as it gets! With a blistering lap speed of 179.063 mph, Allgaier secured his 12th career Xfinity Series pole and his third of the season, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with on the track. But here’s where it gets controversial: While Allgaier humbly credited his team for their adjustments, he admitted he didn’t feel he performed at his best during that lap. So, is it the driver’s skill or the team’s strategy that truly seals the deal? Let’s dive in.
Starting alongside Allgaier on the front row is his JR Motorsports teammate, Connor Zilisch, who clocked in just behind him with a speed of 178.719 mph. The rest of the top five includes Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Brandon Jones and Aric Almirola in third and fourth, respectively, with Nick Sanchez rounding out the group. The top 10 is completed by Jesse Love, Christian Eckes, Taylor Gray, Carson Kvapil, and Sheldon Creed, setting the stage for an intense battle under the Las Vegas lights.
And this is the part most people miss: Ryan Ellis and Parker Retzlaff will start from the rear due to mechanical issues that prevented them from completing a qualifying lap. It’s a stark reminder of how even the smallest technical glitch can dramatically alter a race’s dynamics. Speaking of dynamics, Allgaier emphasized the importance of flawless execution and pit crew performance, especially after last week’s stellar pit stops. Will his team deliver again tonight?
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 302 is set to roar to life at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. For those keeping score, here’s the full qualifying lineup:
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Time | Speed |
|-----|---|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------|----------|
| 1 | 7 | Justin Allgaier (P) | BRANDT Chevrolet | 30.157 | 179.063 |
| 2 | 88 | Connor Zilisch # (P) | WeatherTech Chevrolet | 30.215 | 178.719 |
| 3 | 20 | Brandon Jones (P) | Menards/Nibco Toyota | 30.361 | 177.86 |
| 4 | 19 | Aric Almirola (P) | Young Life Toyota | 30.384 | 177.725 |
| 5 | 48 | Nick Sanchez # | DIOS AZUL Tequila Chevrolet | 30.402 | 177.62 |
| ... | ...| ... | ... | ... | ... |
Controversy alert: With Allgaier’s pole win sparking debates about driver skill versus team strategy, we want to hear from you. Do you think the driver or the team deserves more credit for a pole position? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
If you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan who lives for every lap, pit stop, and storyline, we’re calling on you! Share your insights, race recaps, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our community. Click here to join the team. And remember, the views expressed here are those of the author, Angie Campbell, a Charlotte native and award-winning member of the National Motorsports Press Association. Follow her on Twitter @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR updates. Let’s rev up the conversation!
