Justin Allgaier had a love-hate relationship with Phoenix Raceway in 2024, although it was heavier on the love.
On Nov. 9, Phoenix was the place Allgaier lastly captured his elusive Xfinity Collection championship that discovered each which option to evade him over the previous decade. Via the beer-soaked confetti, Rattlesnake Hill and the one-mile Phoenix Raceway served because the backdrop for the best second of the 38-year-old’s profession.
Eight months earlier, it was a a lot totally different story. On March 9, Allgaier was crusing into the Arizona sundown en path to his first win of the 2024 season. With 5 laps to go and a 2.9 second lead, a victory appeared inevitable.
That was till Allgaier’s left-rear tire went flat because the veteran driver entered Flip 1. Allgaier’s Chevrolet slammed into the wall, shattering his goals of profitable the race as rapidly because it shattered his automotive.
Whereas his return in November noticed him attain the mountaintop, one factor was unnoticed: a visit to victory lane. Whereas Allgaier gained the championship, it was Riley Herbst who gained the race. Allgaier was pressured to accept a runner-up end, however one he’d gladly take given the circumstances.
On Saturday, Allgaier will return to Phoenix trying to avenge his loss within the 2024 spring race whereas protecting the great instances from November’s championship occasion rolling.
