Justin Allgaier wins Las Vegas pole, full NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying results

This is the first pole for Justin Allgaier since Bristol. So, it’s only been a couple of races in between. With the rise of Connor Zilisch in the second-half of the season, we have seen Allgaier’s performances lack and fall behind a bit.

There is no doubt that Allgaier and Zilisch are the two best drivers in the Xfinity Series this year. Which one of them lifts the trophy in Phoenix remains to be seen. For now, they start on the front row in Las Vegas.

I think that this pole is exactly what Justin Allgaier needs to get back to the front of the field. He has had to play second-fiddle to his teenage teammate for months now. It’s time for Gator to step up and remind everyone that he is the defending champion.

As for Zilisch, the goal is the same as always – win. He is coming off of his tenth win of the season in a decisive victory at the Roval. Now, he’s out to get his first win on a 1.5-mile track. With all of his success in the second half of the year, he hasn’t won on a true intermediate.

The JGR drivers will have a say today. I think that Brandon Jones, Aric Almirola, and Taylor Gray are all capable of contending for the win today. Gray showed good speed in practice and will start P8.

Justin Allgaier could use a boost

It really hasn’t been difficult for Justin Allgaier in the NASCAR Playoffs. He hasn’t had to do so much to move on from the first round to the second. His points buffer from the regular season has served him well and it will likely guide him to Phoenix even without a win in this round.

Still, champions win races. That’s what it is going to take for Allgaier to get the championship. He has to win in this round and then grab a win at Phoenix. We have seen it more times than not that multiple wins in the playoffs are necessary to become champion, but there are times when all it takes is the one at Phoenix.

A win for Allgaier at Vegas would be a major boost. He’s going to have to earn it with so many drivers desperate for their first career wins and their first career trips to Phoenix. Allgaier will have to hold off a hungry field if he wants to punch his ticket to the championship early.

So, is it Justin Allgaier’s day? Or is it going to go to one of the young drivers in the field?