Justin Allgaier takes first win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Justin Allgaier secured his first win of the 2025 season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, dominating the race by leading 102 laps and withstanding constant pressure from Aric Almirola during the final stage, which lasted 102 consecutive laps without any yellow flags.

The defending champion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, who had previously finished second four times at this 1.5-mile track, finally claimed the top spot on the podium, crossing the finish line 1.067 seconds ahead of Almirola.

"It was incredible," Allgaier said after the race. "This entire team... I can't say enough. Aric and I were racing hard. I tip my hat to him; he ran a great race... Rick Brandt was here last night. He took us to a great concert, an Eagles concert... I can't express how proud I am of what we have here at JR Motorsports. It's been special."

Regaining the Lead on Lap 152

The turning point of the race occurred midway through the final stage. Allgaier lost the lead to Almirola during a sequence of pit stops but regained the top spot in traffic on lap 152 and held it until the checkered flag.

After taking control, Allgaier opened a gap of more than two seconds over Almirola, who spent the next 40 laps closing the distance until he was just a car length behind. However, the Toyota driver couldn't find a way to pass Allgaier in the closing laps.

"You always hate to finish second, but Justin and that team were, in my opinion, the best today," Almirola admitted. "We were close, but they could accelerate much faster than I could. I think that was really the difference."

Zilisch Shines but a Penalty Keeps Him Off the Podium

Green-flag pit stops during the final stage proved costly for rookie Connor Zilisch, who had taken the lead on lap 100 and held it until Allgaier narrowly passed him at the finish line on lap 127.

During the stops on lap 145, Zilisch was penalized for speeding on pit road and had to serve a pass-through penalty, dropping him to the tail end of the lead lap. He recovered to finish ninth, the last car on the lead lap.

Qualified for the Dash4Cash at Homestead

With this win, Allgaier qualified for the first Xfinity Dash4Cash race next Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, alongside Jesse Love (third), Austin Hill (fourth), and Sam Mayer (fifth). The highest finisher among these four drivers will win a $100,000 bonus.

Almirola is not scheduled to compete in the Homestead race.

Allgaier's victory marked his 26th career win and the 90th for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Additionally, the Chevrolet driver took the series lead, now 19 points ahead of Love.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Standings at Las Vegas