Justin Allgaier claimed the Justin Allgaier Xfinity Series pole for tonight’s Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, securing the top spot after a strong late run in qualifying. The pole position sets the stage for the opening race of the Xfinity Series Round of 8 playoffs at this renowned Nevada track.
Allgaier Leads Tight Qualifying Battle
Allgaier’s pole-winning lap clocked in at 179.063 mph, giving him a slight edge over his JR Motorsports teammate, Connor Zilisch, who had taken to the track last and narrowly missed out on the top spot by less than a tenth of a second. This close result underscores the competitive atmosphere ahead of one of the season’s most crucial races.
Behind the leading duo, Joe Gibbs Racing drivers filled out the second row. Kansas Speedway winner Brandon Jones secured third place, while Aric Almirola lined up alongside him in fourth. Two Chevrolet drivers, Nick Sanchez and playoff contender Jesse Love, will start fifth and sixth, respectively, keeping Chevrolets well-positioned near the front.
Notable Starters and Playoff Implications
The remainder of the top ten includes Christian Eckes, Taylor Gray, Carson Kvapil, and Sheldon Creed. Playoff competitors Sammy Smith and Sam Mayer, both looking to keep their championship hopes alive, will need to overcome challenging starts from the 15th and 16th positions on the grid. Their performances tonight could prove decisive for advancement in the playoffs.
Ryan Ellis and Parker Retzlaff are set to begin from the back, as mechanical issues prevented them from completing a qualifying lap. Their task will be tougher as they look to climb through a highly competitive field at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Tonight’s Focused Health 302 Kicks Off Playoff Round
The Focused Health 302 marks the start of the Round of 8, with the race scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW. Fans of NASCAR and major teams like JR Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing will be closely watching as the playoff drama intensifies, determining which drivers continue their championship bids.
Both established names and new faces such as Brandon Jones, Nick Sanchez, and Jesse Love will be looking to capitalize on their qualifying performances, while seasoned organizations—including Joe Gibbs Racing and JR Motorsports—seek another strong showing on the Las Vegas stage.
As the race approaches, the spotlight will remain on Justin Allgaier, whose pole win could signal momentum at a critical moment for the Xfinity Series playoffs. The outcome tonight may have lasting significance, shaping the championship picture as the postseason continues in Las Vegas.
