One point is all that separates Austin Hill and John Hunter Nemechek atop the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings heading into Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The two drivers have set themselves apart from the rest of the field by over 50 points. With 60 points being the maximum amount available for a race, that is a massive lead. There is still plenty of time for other teams to step up with 15 races remaining before the playoffs. The 2022 Xfinity Series race in Charlotte was a prime example of the dominance JR Motorsports had during the season. Justin Allgaier and Josh Berry were a half a lap ahead of the field while fighting for the lead late in the race. While having some solid races, no JR Motorsports drivers have reached victory lane this year. 2021 series champion Daniel Hemric hasn’t won a race since the night he won the championship. Returning to victory lane when the Xfinity Series goes to Charlotte could give drivers the spark they need to run with Hill and Nemechek.
Kyle Larson took the victory at Darlington after another wild finish at the track in the Xfinity Series. After a speeding penalty sent him to the back of the field, Larson drove up to sixth before a pair of cautions set up a dramatic finish. John Hunter Nemechek did all he could to hold onto the win but the two made contact off the final corner.
The finish looked strikingly similar to one of NASCAR’s most famous races at the track in 2003.
Nemechek held no hard feelings about the finish, saying it was just good hard racing.
John Hunter Nemechek was disappointed he didn’t win but smiled several times after exiting the care center. He said the contact with Larson was just hard racing. pic.twitter.com/hTA4gZSQdw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 13, 2023
The Track
Along with hosting the Xfinity Series this weekend, Charlotte Motor Speedway is also right in the middle of NASCAR country. With most of the race teams located in the area, Charlotte is home to almost the entire NASCAR industry. Racing in Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been a time when teams can finally get a break from the intense travel schedule. Charlotte Motor Speedway has produced some great racing over the years, but more than anything, it signifies a weekend at home for the people who help keep the show going week after week.
Predictions
Joe Gibbs Racing has been the class of the Xfinity Series so far in 2023. Their drivers have combined to win four out of 11 races so far. That number could have even been higher had close finishes at Richmond or Darlington gone their way. JGR has dominated the last few races on intermediate tracks and this weekend looks to be more of the same with Ty Gibbs added to the entry list. This race has the potential to become another battle to finish between Gibbs and John Hunter Nemechek. I’m expecting the two JGR drivers to be the class of the field from the green flag with the aggressiveness of Gibbs pushing him just past Nemechek. The battle is going to be fierce and when these two fight for a win, it’s always must watch.
How To Watch: Alsco Uniforms 300 (All times EST)
- Practice/Qualifying: Friday, May 26, 3:35 p.m. on FS1
- Alsco Uniforms 300: Saturday, May 27, 1 p.m. on FS1
