AJ Allmendinger Grabs Chevrolet’s Lone Top-Five at Darlington

9 months ago

AJ Allmendinger Grabs Chevrolet’s Lone Top-Five at Darlington

Allmendinger’s No. 16 surged late at Darlington, earning fifth in the 2025 Southern 500. “Once we ran fifth or sixth, I thought, ‘We got speed. Now we just got to execute,” he said. Proud of progress at a track he finds “intimidating,” the veteran driver stood as Chevrolet’s only top-seven finisher during a race where Toyotas were dominant.

By Rahul Ahluwalia

Other articles from NASCAR

Shane van Gisbergen’s Playoff Start Derails With ‘Helpless’ Darlington Run

9 months ago

Shane van Gisbergen’s Playoff Start Derails With ‘Helpless’ Darlington Run

SVG’s playoff opener at Darlington unraveled with handling woes and a failed pit gamble, leaving him 32nd. “Caution coming out at the wrong time, but we had nothing anyway. I felt helpless out there,” he said. Once optimistic, the Trackhouse driver now stares at Gateway, a new track for him, and a challenging Bristol with his postseason hopes under pressure.

By Rahul Ahluwalia

Christopher Bell Fumes After Carson Hocevar Ruins Southern 500 Run

9 months ago

Christopher Bell Fumes After Carson Hocevar Ruins Southern 500 Run

Bell’s night collapsed at Darlington after Stage 1 contact with Hocevar on pit road left him 29th. "The 77 just didn’t yield, ruined my night," Bell said, though he pointed to Hocevar’s team for poor awareness. Hocevar called it "bad timing," but salvaged ninth, while Bell finished thirteenth. He went from +17 to +11 on the cutline, losing crucial momentum.

By Rahul Ahluwalia

Coach Gibbs Lauds Chase Briscoe–James Small Bond After Southern 500 Masterclass

9 months ago

Coach Gibbs Lauds Chase Briscoe–James Small Bond After Southern 500 Masterclass

Briscoe’s Southern 500 repeat showcased his growing bond with crew chief Small. Gibbs called it “really impressive,” adding, “It takes an unusual chemistry for the crew chief and driver; they’ve done it in a quick amount of time.” The JGR boss credited the team effort on one of NASCAR’s toughest tracks, joking, “All I do is pray.”

By Rahul Ahluwalia

Legacy MC Duo Shock With Top-Five Southern 500 Run

9 months ago

Legacy MC Duo Shock With Top-Five Southern 500 Run

Erik Jones rallied from 19th to finish third at Darlington, saying, “Racing the playoff guys says a lot about our speed.” John Hunter Nemechek stormed from 30th to a career-best fourth: “We executed really well.” Their finishes gave Jimmie Johnson’s team a breakthrough moment, proving they can compete with playoff heavyweights, especially on a day where Toyota cars were dominant.

By Rahul Ahluwalia

Chase Briscoe Makes History With Southern 500 Domination

9 months ago

Chase Briscoe Makes History With Southern 500 Domination

Briscoe said, “I never thought I’d win the Southern 500 once, let alone two,” after leading 309 laps at Darlington. He became the first driver in over 50 years to lead 300-plus laps en route to victory. Back-to-back wins, this time with JGR, cement his place in the Round of 12, all in his first year with the #19 team.

By Rahul Ahluwalia

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