Justin Allgaier wins Phoenix O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race after slow pit stop and late pass

Late-race recovery decides Saturday night event at Phoenix Raceway

Justin Allgaier won Saturday evening’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Phoenix Raceway, recovering from a slow pit stop to take the lead in the closing laps and hold off reigning series champion Jesse Love at the 1-mile track in Avondale, Arizona.

The decisive swing came after a pit-road setback earlier in the 200-lap race. During service, Allgaier’s crew had difficulty removing the right-rear tire from the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, costing track position in an event where clean air and restart execution typically shape the final outcome.

Despite that time loss, Allgaier remained in contention and mounted a late charge. With 10 laps remaining, he completed the race-winning pass on Love and led the final segment to secure the victory.

Love leads most laps but settles for second

Love finished second after controlling much of the night. He led a race-high 114 of 200 laps, an indication of long-run speed that translated into extended time at the front but ultimately did not prevent a late change in the lead.

The result continues Phoenix’s recent pattern of producing races where late restarts, pit cycles, and short-run pace can outweigh earlier dominance. For Love, the runner-up finish followed a performance that included substantial laps led and sustained presence at the front of the field.

Top 10 finishers and notable race context

• 1. Justin Allgaier
• 2. Jesse Love
• 3. Carson Kvapil
• 4. Sheldon Creed
• 5. Sam Mayer
• 6. Sammy Smith
• 7. Jeb Burton
• 8. Rajah Caruth
• 9. Corey Day
• 10. Anthony Alfredo

Qualifying set a separate storyline heading into race night, with Taylor Gray earning the pole position at Phoenix and starting alongside Love near the front. The race itself, however, turned on execution across the full distance rather than a single early advantage.

Allgaier’s winning move came inside the final 10 laps, after earlier time lost during a right-rear tire change.

Next race: Las Vegas

The series moves next to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for The LiUNA! on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start (Eastern) and will be televised on The CW, with PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio carrying coverage.

Saturday’s Phoenix result gives Allgaier an early-season statement win while underscoring how quickly track position can change when pit-road issues intersect with late-race pace at Phoenix.