Aric Almirola’s daring decision to stay on the track instead of pitting in the closing laps defined the Xfinity Series Food City 300 recap, as the ex-Cup Series driver secured a memorable victory Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. In the opening race of the postseason, Almirola’s independent strategy kept fans and competitors on edge and led him to his ninth career trip to Victory Lane, overcoming advice from his crew chief Tyler Allen.
Almirola Defies the Pit Call and Sets the Tone
When the third stage began, crew chief Tyler Allen instructed Aric Almirola to watch rookie Connor Zilisch’s decision—either follow him into the pits or remain on the Bristol track depending on Zilisch’s move. Instead, Almirola, at 41 years of age, took control of his race. He rejected his team’s direction, choosing to stay out even as other leaders, including Zilisch, elected for fresh tires with 34 laps to go following Carson Ware’s spin.
“I decided to stay out when they said pit,” —Aric Almirola, Driver
“I was tired of getting beat those guys (and) I thought my best chance was to stay out on old tires.” —Aric Almirola, Driver
This choice proved key. Despite a misstep during the restart at Turn 4, Almirola managed to hold off the field and convert his gamble into a postseason-opening win, reinvigorating his standing among competitors at Bristol’s famed short track.
Shelton Creed’s Consistent Challenge
Shelton Creed came up just short, matching his best finish for the fifteenth time in the series. Creed’s second-place run kept the tension in the championship, emphasizing the unpredictability of the playoffs. The runner-up spot helped Creed improve his playoff position, although his first series win continues to elude him.
“Entered -2. Exits +7.
He’s still searching for that first win, but a strong runner-up performance moves @sheldoncreed above the elimination line heading to Kansas. pic.twitter.com/WmS6YCMg9X” —NASCAR Xfinity
Creed now looks ahead to the next event in Kansas, buoyed by the progress but eager for a breakthrough in the winner’s circle.
Race Drama: Spins, Cautions, and Strategic Choices
The Food City 300 was shaped early by on-track incidents and aggressive moves. Justin Allgaier jumped ahead of Sam Mayer at the start of the postseason action, quickly seized by regular-season champion Connor Zilisch, who positioned himself as a key rival right from lap two. The race’s rhythm shifted with a caution triggered by contact involving Kyle Sieg and subsequent incidents with Leland Honeyman and Ryan Ellis on Lap 11. Additional trouble came when Corey Day lost control after hitting Blaine Perkins on Lap 77, causing Stefan Parsons to tangle with the spinning Day. These incidents kept pit strategies moving and teams guessing on tire decisions.
“A spin by @carsonreedware presents an opportunity for the leaders to pit.
Zilisch and Jones opt for fresh rubber, while Almirola and Mayer stay out. 👀 pic.twitter.com/UUruWNKJ8e” —NASCAR Xfinity
Key Performances and Playoff Impact
Allgaier used Jesse Love’s misstep in Turns 1 and 2 to claim the first stage, while Zilisch clawed back the advantage with a move on Mayer to win Stage 2, displaying the intensity among playoff contenders. Zilisch, despite leading part of the race and entering as a favorite thanks to four consecutive wins, fell to fifth after the final cycle, managing to tie a series record.
“You knew it wouldn’t take long for these two to be fighting for the lead.@ConnorZilisch settles in behind @J_Allgaier on Lap 24, running just around half a second behind the No. 7.
“Car is driving pretty good.” – CZ88 pic.twitter.com/DjCn7cSYiz” —JR Motorsports
Throughout the event, crew teams like the No. 8’s worked to keep their drivers in contention, while competitors such as Jesse Love, Stefan Parsons, and Sam Mayer made their presence felt throughout the night’s shifting conditions.
Looking Ahead After Bristol’s Showdown
Almirola’s win at Bristol not only added a chapter to his own career but set the stage for heightened drama as the playoffs continue. As the Xfinity Series moves on to Kansas, the risks taken at Bristol will influence team strategies and driver confidence. With Creed advancing above the elimination line, Zilisch matching historical results despite finishing fifth, and seasoned racers like Allgaier and Mayer in the mix, the path to the championship remains wide open, ensuring more unpredictable racing in the weeks ahead.
