By: Zach Arnold

RICHMOND, Virginia — It was a strong day for Joe Gibbs Racing at Richmond Raceway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Earning a 1-2-3 finish does not come at ease, however, Chandler Smith, Aric Almirola, and Taylor Gray made it look easy on Saturday afternoon.

The first JGR driver who showed to have a fast car was Almirola in the No. 20. For some, it was a surprise to see him run very well early on as this was his second return to action since retiring after the 2023 season. The 40-year-old proved he could still run up front as he swept the opening two stages.

Throughout the first two stages, there was a total of three cautions Ryan Vargas brought out the first yellow flag as his car caught on fire; shortly after it was Brandon Jones and Ryan Seig wrecking on a restart. Garrett Smithley and Logan Bearden were the drivers to bring out the third wreck.

It was not unusual to see the fourth JGR car have an unfortunate day as the other three cars were strong. Sheldon Creed recorded his third DNF in a row when he ran into a mechanical issue which ended his day. Creed was frustrated as he watched his teammates run inside the top five, in saying, “It was junk from the start, not even the same race car we had earlier… that’s three weeks in a row where we can’t get a car to finish a race.”

Later in the race, drama erupted between Joey Gase and Dawson Cram. Gase received contact from Cram, spinning him out. Gase did not hide his emotions after the wreck as he chucked his rear bumper at Cram’s car. “He just doesn’t have his head screwed on right,” Gase said.

The No. 81 of Smith passed his teammates and held the lead until the checkered flag. The final stint of the race ran under green flag conditions for 67 laps.

“It was a great call. First of all, all glory to God – without him, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now, with this amazing group of guys and gals back at Joe Gibbs Racing with amazing partners like Mobil 1, Toyota Racing. We wouldn’t be able to contend for wins like we are. I won my first Xfinity race here last year – in the ToyotaCare 250 and here we again, with Mobil 1 Toyota GR Supra in Mobil 1 Victory Lane. I’m really excited about that – ready to get home and celebrate one of the biggest days in history tomorrow,” Race winner Smith said.

Back-to-back short track racing as NASCAR heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Dude Wipes 250. Catch the action next Saturday at 7:30 pm EST.