NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Fans Respond To Aric Almirola’s Winning ‘Fence’ Move Vs. Alex Bowman, Claiming GOVX 200 At Phoenix Raceway

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published08 Mar 2025

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Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series drama at Phoenix Raceway continued into overtime as Justin Allgaier led from the inside, with Aric Almirola on the outside for the GOVX 200’s final restart. 

Along Turn 2, Allgaier got sideways, which allowed Alex Bowman to split Allgaier and Brandon Jones to take the lead. Almirola trailed in second.  

To gain an advantage, Almirola bumped Bowman’s left rear and drove to the inside along the final turn, pinching the No. 17 Chevrolet into the wall in the process. Almirola edged in front and secured the checkered flag by 0.045 seconds, the second-closest finish at the one-mile tri-oval. 

Almirola downplayed the winning move to CW. 

“I just knew I needed to get from there to here first,” he said with a laugh. “I knew I was going to use him up a little bit, but I was trying to win the race. I feel it was warranted. I don’t’ feel like I did anything really egregious.  

“I knew it was going to be a drag race to the start/finish line.” 

Bowman aired his grievance to CBS Sports: “I guess you just pinch a guy in the fence and that’s how you win.” 

Retired from full-time Cup Series, Almirola didn’t know if he was going to compete this season two weeks before Daytona. In two races with Joe Gibbs Racing, Almirola posted two top-five finishes. 

 X (Twitter) Users Respond

Almirola appeared to be enjoying his retirement with his family … 

Fighting for P6 early in the race, top rookie Connor Zilisch, who won last Saturday at COTA, collided with Jesse Love along Turn 2. Both continued and Love finished P9 and Zilisch P16. Love remained atop the points standings … 

 Despite trouble with his breaks during Stage 1, Bowman, who started on the pole, earned the stage victory, leading all 45 rotations … 

 Allgaier, who passed Almirola on Lap 84, cruised to the Stage 2 win, the 70th of his career. Christopher Bell ranks second with 33 stage wins. The track trend didn’t continue … 

After making contact with Sammy Smith, Dawson Cram’s machine experienced a flat right tire and hit the wall on Lap 147. Despite damage to his right rear, Smith continued and placed P14 … 

The final restart… 

 Allgaier spoke on what happened during the overtime restart … 

 Almirola celebrated his eighth career victory … 

 Allgaier displayed his heartbreak …