Sheldon Creed set a new milestone for the most second-place finishes without a win in NASCAR Xfinity Series history, as he secured his 15th runner-up finish at the Food City 300 in Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday. The Sheldon Creed NASCAR Xfinity runner-up record continued after a dramatic last-lap effort, which resulted in him overtaking his Haas Factory Team teammate Sam Mayer but ultimately falling short of victory.
Creed’s Determined Drive at Bristol
The race reached its climax on the final lap, where Creed showcased his competitive spirit by passing Sam Mayer for second place heading into Turn 4. Creed attempted an assertive dive-bomb move, but was unable to close the gap on the leading car of Aric Almirola, who seized the win while Creed crossed the line just behind him. This finish adds another chapter to Creed’s string of near-misses in the series, intensifying both the challenge and anticipation surrounding his pursuit of a first victory.
Progress and Playoff Momentum for the No. 00 Team
Despite missing out on a win, Friday’s performance provided several positives for Creed and his team. The strong result lifted him above the playoff cut line heading into the upcoming race in Kansas, and that upward momentum could prove vital as the 2025 postseason unfolds. Creed demonstrated notable resilience by recovering from an early speeding penalty, an ability that may strengthen his efforts throughout the high-stakes playoff rounds.
“I kinda shipped it in there in (turns) three and four, knowing I wasn’t going to get there,”
—Sheldon Creed, Driver
Creed’s growing tally of runner-up finishes reflects his consistent presence at the front of the pack. While the wait for his inaugural win continues, his repeated close calls underline both the heartbreak and the promise that defines his NASCAR Xfinity journey.
Looking Ahead to Kansas and Beyond
As Creed and the Haas Factory Team prepare for Kansas, they do so with a mix of resolve and optimism. Aric Almirola’s recent victory highlighted the competitive environment in the series, while Creed’s performance signals he remains a strong contender. For fans and competitors alike, Creed’s relentless chase for that breakthrough win has become a compelling storyline, and with each race, anticipation grows for when he will finally convert a runner-up finish into a long-awaited victory.
