BRISTOL, Tenn. — Cole Custer won Friday’s Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to claim the regular-season championship after Justin Allgaier finished 30th.
In what is expected to be his final Xfinity Series race — at least until 2026 — Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished seventh.
MORE: Race results
Allgaier entered the season finale with a 43-point lead over Custer. But Allgaier was involved in three accidents and had one of his worst finishes of the season.
Custer defeated Allgaier by three points to capture the regular season championship.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Custer said. “It’s a testament to these guys. It’s been a really tough month, but everyone in the store kept their heads up.”
Sheldon Creed earned his 13th runner-up finish, extending the series record for most runner-up finishes without a win. Chandler Smith was third, rookie Jesse Love was fourth and Ryan Truex rounded out the top five.
Earnhardt overcame radio problems during the race. During an early caution, he came to pit road to change his helmet. He took off his goggles and didn’t get them back before he left. He got them back from the crew later.
What was it like racing without goggles?
“I just can’t see the dash, can’t read the little numbers,” he said. “They’re like, how hot (is the engine)? I think it’s 200 or something. But I can see out the windshield just fine.”
Winner phase 1: Chandler Smit
Winner phase 2: Jeremy Clements
Who had a good race: After winning the series championship last year, Cole Custer came back this year to win the regular-season title, putting him in good position for another title run. … Chandler Smith’s third-place finish was his fifth straight top-10. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished seventh in his lone series start this year.
Who had a bad race: Justin Allgaier, who led the first 60 laps, was involved in three accidents and received a pit stop penalty. He eventually finished 30th and lost the regular season championship.
Next: The playoffs begin Saturday, September 28 at Kansas Speedway (4 p.m. ET on CW)
