NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Fans Respond To Jesse Love’s DQ, Sammy Smith Claiming North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire At Rockingham Speedway

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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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Published19 Apr 2025

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xfinity main art II crash rockingham (1)

The second red flag period during the final 13 laps Saturday allowed NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers and fans a few extra moments to analyze what was about to transpire in overtime at Rockingham Speedway. 

Sammy Smith and Taylor Gray lined up along the front row three weeks after their much-publicized Martinsville Speedway incident. Creating controversy, Smith sped up and took out Gray from behind off a restart. The old friends had words in the infield after the race and many anticipated an intense finish during NASCAR’s return to “The Rock.” 

As the drivers launched, Jesse Love appeared to spoil the moment by crafting a slick move to pass Smith on the inside and appear to earn the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire title. His third career trip to Victory Lane, however, was wiped away during post-race inspection.

Race officials deemed Love’s No. 2 Chevrolet violated rule 14.14.2.1-5.H, which covers the mating surfaces between the truck trailing arm and U-bolt saddle. They were not in complete contact.

X (Twitter) users responded to Love neglecting to put on the parking brakes before claiming the checkered flag right after the race … 

On the opening card, ARCA Menards Series East driver Brent Crews dominated the ARCA 125. It was his first East circuit win and fourth ARCA platform triumph … 

After 21 years, the Xfinity Series went green at “The Rock” … 

Katherine Legge, the lone female competing on the Cup and Xfinity circuits, nearly lost out on making her first Xfinity start this season. After failing to earn a spot in the 38-car field in the No. 32 Chevrolet, she moved over to the No. 53 Chevrolet, replacing JJ Yeley. She finished last … 

 Legge’s NASCAR National Series education will continue in 2025 … 

Ex-Cup veteran Kasey Kahne, in his first NASCAR event since 2017, ran into trouble, but rallied and produced a P15 … 

 Nick Sanchez’s race ended on Lap 240 and placed 32nd, but he earned the Stage 1 win …  

Dean Thompson’s Stage 2 victory was the first of his career … 

 Love tapped Sanchez from the lead … 

 Big late wreck … 

 Forcing OT … 

 Smith spoke about his victory … 

NASCAR made its long-awaited return to Rockingham, North Carolina. The fans showed up …