Custer clinches Xfinity Series title at final race

Cole Custer secured the Xfinity Series regular season championship with a victory at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night. This win marked Custer's second of the season and provided him with crucial momentum heading into the playoffs. His performance not only clinched the driver championship over Justin Allgaier but also awarded him bonus points for the upcoming playoff rounds. Custer expressed relief and confidence after a challenging month leading up to the race. Sheldon Creed finished in second place, marking his 11th runner-up finish in three seasons, yet he remains without a win in his Xfinity Series career. Chandler Smith, Jesse Love, Ryan Truex, and Sam Mayer rounded out the top six finishers, showcasing a competitive race among the drivers. The event highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by drivers in the series, particularly for those still seeking their first victory. Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in what could be his last NASCAR national series race until at least 2026, fulfilling a sponsorship obligation with Hellman’s Mayonnaise. His race was marred by communication issues, including a malfunctioning radio and a chaotic helmet exchange that left him without his eyeglasses. Despite these challenges, Earnhardt managed to finish in seventh place, concluding a significant chapter in his racing career. As Stewart-Haas Racing prepares to close at the end of the season, team owner Gene Haas will retain one Cup Series charter to continue running Custer next year. This decision reflects the team's commitment to supporting Custer's career as he aims to defend his title in the upcoming season.