In an impressive show of skill and strategy, Aric Almirola swept all three stages to claim victory in the Focused Health 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) on Saturday, October 11. Almirola led a race-high 107 laps and passed Connor Zilisch with 10 laps to go to secure his first-ever victory at LVMS.
The action-packed race featured multiple lead changes and fierce battles for position, but Almirola’s dominance was clear from the outset. After sweeping the first two stages, he held off Zilisch in the final laps despite contact between the two as they raced side by side through turns 1 and 2. Almirola ultimately completed the pass down the backstretch with just a few laps remaining in the race.
“I’m having so much fun, this is the time of my life,” Almirola said post-race. “Our car was really good, but the longer I ran, the tighter I got. On the final restart, I took off incredibly tight, but was able to pass the 48 and chase down the 88 who looked pretty loose, which I was able to capitalize on.”
Connor Zilisch, who put up a strong fight for the win, finished as the runner-up. “I gave it my all. I drove as hard as I could, but, yeah, I guess that’s all we had today,” said Zilisch.
Justin Allgaier rounded out the top three, earning valuable points that strengthen his position ahead of the playoff cutline. His solid performance adds to his cushion as the series heads to Talladega next week for the second race in the Round of 8.
Almirola’s victory ensures no playoff driver is yet locked into the Championship 4, with the battle for the title continuing to intensify as the series enters its final phase.
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series race and can be purchased at LVMS.com or by calling (800) 644-4444.
