TALLADEGA, Ala. (NEXSTAR) — In an exciting finish at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway, 20-year-old Sammy Smith captured his first win of the 2024 season, taking the checkered flag in the United Rentals 250. With this victory, Smith surged to the top of the Xfinity Series leaderboard and secured his place in the next round of the playoffs.
Chandler Smith won Stage 1 of Saturday's eventful race, but the action heated up as the first of six cautions occurred on Lap 43 when Nick Leitz spun around, catching Jeb Burton in the crossfire. The top performers of the season showing up big, with Austin Hill claiming Stage 2 and earning critical points for the playoffs.
As is typical at Talladega, a red flag flew later in the race following a chain-reaction crash that sent multiple drivers spinning toward the end. This crash set the stage for an overtime finish, where Sammy Smith emerged victorious. One of the youngest drivers in the Xfinity Series, Smith's win propels him into the Round of 8.
Reflecting on the win, Sammy Smith expressed his relief and excitement: "Very happy, you know, we were at the bottom coming in, starting the playoffs, and even starting this race. To not have to worry about the Roval next week and we can focus on the next round feels amazing. Thanks to everybody at my team JRM, Chevy, TMT, Pilot Flying J, Allstate Peterbilt Group and everybody that helps out and that has fought with us this year."
With Smith securing his spot in the next round of the Xfinity Series playoffs, all eyes now turn to Charlotte next weekend for the Roval 400. This race marks the final event in the Round of 12, where the stakes will be higher than ever.