Allmendinger wins rain-soaked NASCAR Xfinity race at Portland

Allmendinger’s struggles started before the race had even begun. He ran off the wet course on the pace lap and had to make an unscheduled pit stop almost immediately after the green flag. He ended up off the course a few more times after that, and even fell a lap down.

It didn’t look like his day, but through attrition and multiple chaotic restarts, he clawed his way back to the front of the field and claimed victory for the 12th time in his NASCAR Xfinity Series career.

“All the men and women at Kaulig Racing deserved that. I was awful,” Allmendinger said post-race. “I crashed before the green. I was off the race track, I think four times. Yeah, made all kinds of mistakes and was all over the place, but just proud of everybody on (this team). 

“I was melting down in the car honestly, making so many mistakes and trying so hard. I put so much pressure on myself at these races because I know what everybody expects. I know what I expect, more importantly. It might be one of the craziest wins I’ve ever had. Most mistakes ever to win a race for sure.”

He led just six laps in what would be the eighth road course victory of his NASCAR career. Eight of them have come in the Xfinity Series and two in Cup.

Myatt Snider finished second, followed by Austin Hill, Josh Berry, Justin Allgaier, Daniel Hemric, Ty Gibbs, JJ Yeley, Noah Gragson, and Alex Labbe.

Stage 1

Anthony Alfredo led the field on the initial start, but it didn’t last long as he went straight off in the first chicane as drivers battled the damp track conditions.

Gibbs quickly asserted himself as the driver to beat, pulling out to a massive lead over Sheldon Creed.

While several competitors had off-track excursions, it actually took 12 laps before the first full-course caution when Sam Mayer crashed.

Hill then made a brief challenge for the race lead, but Gibbs was able to pull away once more. The off-tracks continued, but the race remained green for the remainder of the stage.

Gibbs would claim the…