Justin Allgaier reacts to points situation after Las Vegas playoff race

Finishing P3 at Las Vegas was just what Justin Allgaier needed in terms of points, but a win would have made things a lot more simple. Allgaier wants to race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in Phoenix.

Good news, that finish tonight puts Justin Allgaier +32 above the cutline. That doesn’t mean he is safe, by any means. One bad race at Homestead or Martinsville and Allgaier could be below the cutline.

Allgaier talked to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports after the race.

“Executed all day we did all the right things and ultimately we’ll walk out of here with a solid finish, good points day, just wish I was standing over there in victory lane.”

Despite his points cushion, Justin Allgaier is anything but comfortable. He knows things can change quickly.

“No. No, Bob. Until I have about 80 points going into the next round, I’m not going to be satisfied. You know, this team has worked really hard and we gave a lot of points away over those six weeks that we were really bad. I’m proud of the effort, I’m proud of the drive today, I’m proud of all of the things we did right. I’m excited for Homestead because I think some of the things we’ve been working on, obviously, we feel like Homestead, that will be a big benefit.

“AJ and the 16 team did a great. I mean, they haven’t really had that kind of speed all year and to come out here and execute like they did that’s a statement. We’re going to have to be mindful of that moving forward and hopefully, we can race the others around us and keep digging on the points. It’d be nice to win Homestead and lock yourself in and not have to worry about it.”

So, it’s good, but not great. Justin Allgaier still wants to do more. He wants to win. While getting the second most points in the race today is a positive, a win would be better.

None of that is ridiculous. However, Allgaier has to do one thing. Close out. During his career, in races, championship battles, etc – Allgaier has had an issue with clinching. Closing the deal is hard for him. For one reason or another, he just can’t get the job done.

That doesn’t mean he can’t do it this season. Justin Allgaier has been having a great 2024. He has wins at Darlington and Michigan, two fast, intermediate tracks. Homestead is a fast, intermediate track. Keep an eye on Gator and the No. 7 team, they might have a trick up their sleeve for next week. Now is the time to pull out all the stops. Make or break.