The NASCAR Xfinity Series pulls into Martinsville where a first time winner looks to repeat and the Dash 4 Cash sees four brand new drivers go for the $100,000 prize.
Chandler Smith became the second first time winner this season when he held off John Hunter Nemechek last race in Richmond. The two battled side by side until Smith pulled just ahead at the end.
The finish was very reminiscent of the year before between Nemechek and Ty Gibbs. With Nemechek in 2nd, he had the chance to make contact with Smith and take the win like what had happened to him the year before. Instead they had a clean run to the finish and Smith was able to get his first career Xfinity Series win and clinch a spot in this week’s Dash 4 Cash race.
Dash 4 Cash
Tire strategy ended up playing the key role in Justin Allgaier taking home $100,000 in the first Dash 4 Cash round. The strategy started early when Sammy Smith and John Hunter Nemechek decided not to pit during the competition caution with the rest of the field. That left them on old tires for the rest of the first stage where they eventually got lapped. Sammy Smith never got his lap back until the final caution flag and was essentially out of contention.
The rest of the Dash 4 Cash drivers all struggled with their cars during the race and were all running around the same position. Allgaier’s team made the call to pit with 40 laps to go and essentially forfeit a race win but have better tires than his Dash 4 Cash competitors. He used those tires to drive into 13th by the end of the race and beat Sam Mayer, the nearest driver in 17th.
The Xfinity Series drivers eligible this weekend are Richmond winner Chandler Smith, John Hunter Nemechek, Josh Berry, and Kaz Grala. They’ll be looking to hold off each other and the rest of the field Friday night.
The Track
When the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Martinsville they will be racing at the oldest track on the calendar as well as a favorite of many. The paperclip stays true to its name with long straightaways and super tight, flat corners. While drivers can be aggressive and lean on each other, this is one of the more technical tracks. Driving fast around Martinsville can take a long time to figure out and experience tends to pay off.
Prediction
Joe Gibbs Racing swept the Xfinity Series races in Martinsville last year with Ty Gibbs winning in the fall controversially and Brandon Jones winning this race in the spring. This year’s JGR drivers come into the race with a win a piece and will be looking to get their second. In order to do so, they will probably have to go through Josh Berry. Every time the Xfinity Series goes to a short track, Berry is one of the favorites and Martinsville is one of his best. If he can hold off the JGR drivers as well as his JR Motorsports teammates, look for Berry to bring home the win.
How To Watch the Call811.com Before You Dig. 250 (All times EST)
- Practice/Qualifying: Friday, April 14, 5 p.m. on FS1
- Call811.com Before You Dig. 250: Saturday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. on FS1
