Aric Almirola wins GOVX 200 in a dramatic finish at Phoenix Raceway, seizing victory after a bold last-lap move against Alex Bowman. The intense battle saw both drivers fighting for position in Overtime, leading to a stunning final-lap contact. With mere moments to spare, Almirola surged ahead, securing his seventh NASCAR Xfinity Series win. But how did the chaotic finish unfold, and what does this mean for the championship standings? The season is heating up, and the stakes have never been higher.
Key Highlights
- Aric Almirola won the NASCAR Xfinity Series GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway.
- The victory was secured after last-lap contact with Alex Bowman in Turns 3 and 4.
- Almirola’s bold move closed a gap and led to a thrilling 0.045-second win.
- Despite damage, Bowman finished third, while Almirola celebrated his seventh series win.
- The win followed Almirola’s transition from full-time Cup racing to a part-time role.
Aric Almirola’s Stunning Victory at Phoenix
In an exhilarating confrontation at Phoenix Raceway, Aric Almirola delivered a jaw-dropping performance that left fans on the edge of their seats. Almirola, a seasoned driver, showcased his skill by overcoming a rough start in the final restart of the NASCAR Xfinity Series GOVX 200. His remarkable determination and skill were evident as he navigated the track with precision, ultimately securing a thrilling victory.
The 40-year-old, who shifted from a full-time NASCAR Cup Series career to a part-time mentorship role, unexpectedly found himself back in the driver’s seat this season. Despite not having concrete plans just weeks before the season opener at Daytona, Almirola seized the opportunity to race, displaying extraordinary adaptability.
His triumph at Phoenix, following a runner-up finish at Atlanta, highlights his steadfast commitment and talent. Almirola’s success story is a reflection of his enduring passion and the support of his dedicated team at Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Wild Overtime Finish
Almirola’s exhilarating victory at Phoenix set the stage for a dramatic finale that would leave fans breathless. As the green flag waved in Overtime, chaos ensued when race leader Justin Allgaier washed wide, nudging Almirola’s car, and sending him up the track. Yet, Almirola’s resolve shone brightly, refusing to let his chances slip away.
WHAT. A. FINISH!! pic.twitter.com/T9HrPc20Xn
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) March 9, 2025
With polesitter Alex Bowman inheriting the lead, Almirola, undeterred, clung to third place. As Bowman took the white flag, Almirola masterfully executed a shortcut on the frontstretch dogleg, notably closing the gap.
Through Turns 1 and 2, the tension escalated as Almirola nudged Bowman’s rear, testing his composure. Approaching Turns 3 and 4, Almirola made his boldest move, diving into the bottom lane. His car wiggled, colliding with Bowman, sending him into the wall.
In a breathtaking finish, Almirola surged ahead, clinching his seventh NASCAR Xfinity Series victory.
Aric Almirola and Alex Bowman React
The air crackled with tension as Almirola and Bowman stepped out of their cars, emotions running high after a nail-biting finish at Phoenix.
Almirola, his face flushed with adrenaline, explained his decisive move, stating, “I knew I was going to use him up a little bit, but trying to win the race.” His pride for his team’s efforts was evident, underscoring his belief that the contact was justified.
“You know, I feel like it was warranted. I didn’t think I did anything overly egregious. I just throttled up, and I knew it was going to be a drag race to the start-finish line. Just so proud of all of the guys on this team.” – Aric Almirola
In stark contrast, Bowman, his disappointment evident, expressed frustration over the lack of space during the critical exit. He lamented, “I would have hoped that he would have given me a lane on exit,” a sentiment that reflected the intensity of competition and the narrow margin of 0.045 seconds defining their finish.
“Which, he was better than us, for sure, but I just tried to capitalize on that restart and trying to win the race, and got shoved into the fence. And the race car is destroyed.” – alex Bowman
Despite the destruction to his car, Bowman managed to secure third place, adding another layer of complexity to the dramatic closing moments of the race.
Other Top Finishers at Phoenix
Phoenix buzzed with anticipation as the GOVX 200 unfolded, delivering an exciting spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In a race filled with unpredictable turns and tenacity, Brandon Jones showcased his resilience by securing a vital third-place finish. Despite a challenging start to the season, Jones, a seasoned driver with five NASCAR Xfinity Series victories, expertly navigated the chaos of the final laps to climb back into the top 20 of the championship standings.
Trouble for @_AustinHill who spins out into the wall. #XfinitySeries pic.twitter.com/DLPoZUXla2
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) March 8, 2025
Ryan Sieg, undeterred by adversity, clinched fourth place after starting from the rear due to car damage. His methodical advance through the field was a demonstration of his skill and determination.
Meanwhile, Justin Allgaier, who dominated by leading 130 laps, faced disappointment with a fifth-place result after a late-race miscue. Rookie Taylor Gray impressed with a sixth-place finish, while Sam Mayer, Christian Eckes, Jesse Love, and Nick Sanchez completed the top ten, each driver demonstrating remarkable ability.
Championship Standings Shakeup
As the dust settled on the thrilling confrontation, the championship standings saw a dramatic reshuffling, capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts everywhere.
Love, a rising star at Richard Childress Racing, seized the point lead with his commendable ninth-place finish. The 20-year-old now clutches a slender two-point edge over racing veteran Allgaier, heading into the high-stakes clash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Austin Hill, once at the summit of the standings, faced a heartbreaking decline to fourth place. His race at Phoenix was marred by a costly misstep that ended his day in despair, as he collided with the inside wall on Lap 62.
This collision not only dashed Hill’s hopes but also inadvertently involved fellow competitors Sheldon Creed and rookie Dean Thompson, forcing them into an undesirable early exit.
News in Brief: Aric Almirola Wins GOVX 200
Aric Almirola’s exciting victory in the GovX 200 at Phoenix was a heart-pounding spectacle, filled with last-lap drama and intense on-track battles. The crowd roared as Almirola, in a daring move, edged out Alex Bowman after their electrifying contact.
Spectators were on the edge of their seats, witnessing a race that reshuffled championship standings and left fans buzzing with enthusiasm. This unforgettable finish showcased the raw intensity of NASCAR, setting the stage for an invigorating season ahead.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Fans Demand a Penalty for Aric Almirola’s Controversial Move at Phoenix
