Thirty-five down, one to go.
When the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes the track this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, it will feature a clash of titans and a wealth of experience.
This is the series where names are made, known for young rising talent passing through on the way to the NASCAR Cup Series.
But the four drivers competing for the championship have an average age of 34. For some perspective, that’s almost four years older than Championship 4 in Cup.
What does this elevated age tell us about what we’re about to see this weekend? After a week (and really a season) that has featured more controversy at the Cup level than anyone would deem to be healthy, we’re likely to get what the Xfinity Series has given us all year: excellent old-school racing.
While controversy continues on the Cup side, with discussion about whether any of the four championship contenders were among the four best drivers throughout the entirety of the season, we don’t have the same problem in Xfinity. If you’ve been paying close attention, you’d be likely to put at least two, maybe three of the Xfinity Championship 4 in the deserving category. The fourth driver has at least been consistent enough to be in the conversation, with a decorated and lengthy career resume.
Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the Xfinity Championship 4
Justin Allgaier
It’s hard to name someone as the favorite when the defending champion is still competing, but that is exactly what I’m doing with Allgaier. I’ll give him the nod over Cole Custer here.
Allgaier has been so close so many times; this will be his seventh appearance in the Championship 4. Despite all the attempts, he hasn’t closed the deal yet. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest this is his year.
Among the contenders, Allgaier has the most starts at Phoenix with 28. He also has the most wins (two) and most top fives (10). Despite the high number of starts, he still has a very good average finish of 10th.
When the series went to Phoenix in the spring, Allgaier was dominant. He led 50 laps in the final stage before a flat tire ended his day just five laps before the checkered flag. He’ll be bringing a different car this weekend, though, as the damage caused by the flat tire rendered the spring car a total loss.
Allgaier has been close enough times to know not to be overconfident. He spoke to…
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