What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returned to the Magic Mile in Loudon, New Hampshire, for the Sci Aps 200 this weekend. New Hampshire master Christopher Bell returned to the Xfinity Series, looking to extend his undefeated record at the track in the series. Three-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore also made his first career Xfinity start.

• With rain in the area, wet weather tires loomed large in teams’ strategies going into the race, having never been used on an oval in the Xfinity Series prior.
• The wet weather tires made a brief appearance at the beginning of the race but quickly fell to the wayside after the track dried out, only being run for the first 10 laps of the event.
• The stands were packed with excited race fans for NASCAR’s lone trip to New England, and the Xfinity stars gave fans a great show.

Wet Weather Start

Drivers were required to start the race on the NASCAR-mandated wet weather tires, as the track was too damp for slicks. Drivers fired off fast and relied on the extreme grip levels provided by the softer compound tire, and a dry line quickly formed on the track within the first 10 laps. NASCAR quickly threw a competition caution and mandated teams to come down pit road to fit slicks.

Kligerman Spins Late, Mayer Wins Stage 1

After Parker Kligerman was spun by a domino effect incident involving Riley Herbst and AJ Allmendinger, Sam Mayer jumped to the lead on the restart and kept it, holding off teammate Sammy Smith to win Stage 1 and capture his first stage win in 2024.

Bonsignore Impresses, Bell Wins Stage 2

A largely uneventful Stage 2 saw Christopher Bell doing Christopher Bell things, dominating New Hampshire like he often does. The highlight of Stage 2 came from Xfinity Series newcomer Justin Bonsignore, a modified champion and short track ace, making his very first laps in an Xfinity car with very limited sim time. Bonsignore could keep pace with Bell for most of the stage and came home P2, less than one second behind Bell as they took the green checkers.

Late Cautions Spice Up Final Stage

A plethora of late cautions shook things up late in the final stage, as Leland Honeyman and Chandler Smith both went for solo spins, Austin Hill and Bonsignore tangled, and Haley Deegan and Nathan Byrd collided and made hard contact with the turn 3 SAFER barrier. Carson Kvapil was able to show his short track prowess and was mixing it up with the best of the Xfinity Series late into the stage. The final restart saw an epic three-lap contested battle between Bell, Sheldon Creed, and 2023 Xfinity champ Cole Custer, with all three drivers unwilling to give an inch.

Bell Outduels Creed, Custer, Wins New Hampshire

Bell got a terrible jump on the final restart but took full advantage of the side-by-side battle between Custer and Creed to jump to the lead on the final lap. The New Hampshire maestro continued his historic dominance at the Magic Mile, making it a perfect four wins in four attempts at the track.

Final Thoughts

What did you think of the epic finish at New Hampshire? Are you backing Bell to continue the trend in the Cup race, or do you have your eye on another contender? Let us know your thoughts on this race and everything NASCAR-related by following us on our social channels at The Daily Downforce!