Chandler Smith emerged victorious in the on-track skirmish, but it was John Hunter Nemechek who ultimately clinched the overall victory in The LiUNA! 300-mile NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Throughout the event, the Joe Gibbs Racing teammates engaged in a fierce battle for the lead, with Nemechek ultimately showcasing his endurance and skill.
While Smith claimed victory in the first two stages, executing a last-lap pass of Nemechek’s No. 20 Toyota to secure the second stage, it was Nemechek who asserted his dominance as the race progressed. Leading a race-high 99 laps, Nemechek crossed the finish line with a commanding 4.360-second lead over pole winner Cole Custer.
Expressing his gratitude to his team for their efforts, Nemechek celebrated his first win of the season, his inaugural victory at Las Vegas, and the tenth of his career. “Our goal is to come and win as many as we possibly could. Nothing else matters,” he emphasized.
Transitioning full-time to the NASCAR Cup Series with Legacy Motor Club, Nemechek’s triumph in the Xfinity Series adds to his momentum heading into Sunday’s Pennzoil 400. Despite leading a significant portion of the race, Smith ultimately settled for third place after struggling with adjustments made during a pit stop.
Reflecting on the race, Smith acknowledged the team’s efforts, despite the slight setback. “We were pretty dominant, and we just over-adjusted, but I’m happy that a Joe Gibbs Racing car still won,” he remarked.
Austin Hill claimed the fourth position, while Riley Herbst rounded out the top five. As for the championship standings, Hill maintained his lead by 22 points over Smith, with Hailie Deegan securing the top position among Sunoco rookies with a 15th-place finish.
However, ill luck persisted for Sam Mayer, who encountered another setback after an early crash involving Parker Retzlaff. With the disappointing outcome, Mayer expressed frustration but remained hopeful for better results in future races.
Early exits also included New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen, sidelined due to overheating issues. Despite the challenges faced by some contenders, the race proved to be a thrilling showcase of skill and determination on the Las Vegas track.
Also read: New Faces, New Challenges: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Journey in 2024 NASCAR Season
