Chandler Smith wins pole award for Alsco Uniforms 250

Chandler Smith and Kaulig Racing have captured the pole award ahead of the Alsco Uniforms 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. From Talking Rock, Georgia, Smith is going to bask in this hometown NASCAR pole award. He could be on his way to a second win to go with that second pole award on the season.

With a strong first seven-race stretch, Chandler Smith has been off ever since. He started the year with three top-5s and a win in those seven races. Since then, he only has three top-10s to brag about.

This pole award might be the first step to changing Smith’s fortunes in the second half of the season.

All smiles when you’re this fast!@CSmithDrive wins the pole for tonight’s race at @ATLMotorSpdwy! pic.twitter.com/lnQFFjy77B

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 8, 2023

There is a lot of newness at Atlanta. Drivers practiced their pit stop entries during qualifying. A rule change on the pit road situation on this track was made to ensure driver safety entering the area.

Kaulig Rcaing has really upped their game in the Xfinity Series. Started out hot, then faded a bit. Got AJ Allmendinger back in their No. 10 car for Nashville and he helped right the ship. At least, it appears that way right now. Chandler Smith might have a great opportunity here to keep that hope alive.

Chandler Smith looking for hometown win

Many drivers try their whole careers and can’t win at their hometown track. Chandler Smith has a great chance to do that and keep his championship hopes alive. To be honest, there is a gap in the Xfinity Series points battle. So, the regular season championship likely isn’t within reach, but the playoffs are what matters.

Right now, Smith is fifth in the points standings. He’s at 498 points. However, Justin Allgaier in fourth is at 593 points. Even worse still, John Hunter Nemechek, the leader in points, is at 638 points. Long hill to climb without a lot of time to do it.

Heading into tonight’s race, Smith has to feel good. There will be a lot of pressure to keep his performance at a high level in front of his hometown crowd.

Chandler Smith is your pole winner in Atlanta for the Xfinity Series race. He’s got a big shot at snagging his second Xfinity Series win in his rookie campaign. He leads the rookie of the year standings.