Justin Allgaier wins NASCAR O’Reilly race at Phoenix

In a race dominated by the sport’s younger drivers, it was a 39-year-old veteran who emerged victorious Saturday night in Phoenix. This victory was also vaulted Justin Allgaier leading the championship as he seeks a second title as a NOAPS driver.

“I’m so proud of this team,” Allgaier said. “Andrew (Overstreet, new crew chief for 2026) has done a great job taking over. He’s been telling me all week that this is our home and we’re going to take it. It’s not for lack of adversity, but it seems like those are really the ones that are great for us. Really proud of this team. We had a problem on that first pit stop and these boys bounced back.”

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Justin Allgaier, No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Jesse Love finished second, Carson Kvapil third, Sheldon Credo fourth, and Sam Mayer fifth. Sammy Smith, Jeb Burton, Rajah CaruthCorey Day, and Antoine Alfredo filled out the rest of the top ten.

Steps 1 and 2

Taylor Gray started the race from pole position, but it was Love who took command of the race. The defending NOAPS champion led much of the first stage, but Sammy Smith eventually passed him in traffic to win Stage 1.

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Smith led Love, Allgaier, Kvapil, Byron, J. Burton, Day, Crews, Creed and B. Jones at the end of Stage 1.

During this stage, Nick Sanchez lost pace and stopped without power, losing several laps.

The first stage had no incidents, and the second stage was much the same. This time, Love won the stage, followed by Kvapil, Byron, Allgaier, Crews, Smith, J. Burton, Tay. Gray, Creed and Clements.

Step 3

Love was in control, but Kvapil became a real threat as the race progressed. In traffic, he and Love battled for the lead before Kvapil won with 61 laps to go. Love then began to fade, and was even passed by Creed for second place.

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The stage featured green flag pit stops, with the race leader taking to pit road with 47 laps remaining.