Justin Allgaier eyes return to Phoenix after winning Xfinity championship

Justin Allgaier had a love-hate relationship with Phoenix Raceway in 2024, though it was heavier on the love. 

On Nov. 9, Phoenix was where Allgaier finally captured his elusive Xfinity Series championship that found every which way to evade him over the past decade. Through the beer-soaked confetti, Rattlesnake Hill and the one-mile Phoenix Raceway served as the backdrop for the greatest moment of the 38-year-old's career. 

Eight months earlier, it was a much different story. On March 9, Allgaier was sailing into the Arizona sunset en route to his first win of the 2024 season. With five laps to go and a 2.9 second lead, a victory seemed inevitable. 

That was until Allgaier's left-rear tire went flat as the veteran driver entered Turn 1. Allgaier's Chevrolet slammed into the wall, shattering his dreams of winning the race as quickly as it shattered his car. 

While his return in November saw him reach the mountaintop, one thing was left out: a trip to victory lane. While Allgaier won the championship, it was Riley Herbst who won the race. Allgaier was forced to settle for a runner-up finish, but one he'd gladly take given the circumstances. 

On Saturday, Allgaier will return to Phoenix looking to avenge his loss in the 2024 spring race while keeping the good times from November's championship event rolling.