O’Reilly: Phoenix Mid-Race Report

What’s Happening?

Two stages down in the GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway. The sun has set, the stadium lights have burned on, and now we’re shaping up for a thrilling finish under the lights in the Valley of the Sun. Here’s where everything stands as the stars of tomorrow of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series speed up towards a jaw-dropping conclusion.

• It was the story of the young guns early on in this race. Pole sitter Taylor Gray managed to lead the opening ten laps before surrendering the lead to fellow series regular Jesse Love. Love has been off to a hot start so far this year and is looking to capture that first Phoenix win.
• The stage ended with Sammy Smith wrestling the lead away from Jesse Love and leading ten laps. Earning stage points in Stage 1 were Smith (10), Love (9), Allgaier (8), Kvapil (7), J. Burton (5), Day (4), Creed (2), and Jones (1)
• Though he started a little further back than he is typically used to at Phoenix, slowly creeping into the picture was Justin Allgaier. Of all the drivers in the field, he has led the most laps at the track, second all-time only to a little-known driver named Kyle Busch.
• The second stage was completely dominated by Jesse Love. Love went on to win the stage, earning 10 stage points. Also earning points in Stage 2 were Kvapil (9), Allgaier (7), Smith (5), J. Burton (4), Gray, (3), Creed (2), and Clements (1).
• With his new alliance to the Haas Factory team, Jeremy Clements has been making moves early in the year. He captured a stage point in Stage 2 based on speed alone. It will be interesting to see how he progresses throughout the remainder of the race.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.