Justin Allgaier couldn't beat Kyle Larson at Texas despite late charge

Spotter Eddie D'Hondt gave Justin Allgaier words of motivation ahead of the final restart in Saturday's Andy's Frozen Custard 340 at Texas Motor Speedway: "Nothing stops a hungry gator."

Allgaier, the 2024 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, is affectionately known by the nickname "Lil' Gator." And he nearly won Saturday's race at Texas, putting together a strong effort on Saturday that saw him win Stage 1 and catch race leader Kyle Larson in the closing laps. 

But despite Larson's perceived handling struggles, Allgaier just couldn't find a way around the two-time Cup Series champion and had to settle for a runner-up finish. He is still winless at Texas.

Justin Allgaier 'disappointed' by Texas loss

"Just disappointed," Allgaier told CW Sports. "To do all the things we did, I felt like the short run for us was a little bit of a struggle all day. Really, that was the difference maker at the end of the race. Without contact, I don't know that there's any way to get around [Larson]. I tried every lane I could possibly try, and unfortunately [came] up short. One of us had to win."

Allgaier led 54 laps on Sunday afternoon and leads Sheldon Creed by 121 points in the series standings going into the 13th race of the season at Watkins Glen on May 9. Allgaier has a series-leading nine top fives and 10 top 10 finishes in 2026.