Xfinity Series Recap: 2024 Pennzoil 250 Presented by Advance Auto Parts (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Riley Herbst secured victory, finishing ahead of Cole Custer despite Custer's early lead. Aric Almirola held third place, while Shane Van Gisbergen and Sheldon Creed rounded out the top five. A late caution shook up the standings.
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Riley Herbst secured victory with a finish ahead of initial pole-sitter Cole Custer, who led a bonanza of laps but had to settle for second place. Herbst's average running position (ARP) was strong at 3.10, coupled with a net gain rating of 3.63. Custer, despite leading early and often, held an ARP of 2.90 and a net gain rating of 2.81. Herbst benefited from timely moves and held off Custer in the final laps to clinch the win.
Aric Almirola, after starting in third, finished in the same spot with an ARP of 7.94. Shane Van Gisbergen advanced significantly from starting 23rd to place 4th, demonstrating strong positioning skills with an ARP of 10.19. Sheldon Creed then rounded out the top 5, finishing from a 12th place start with an ARP of 12.65. Key to these advancements were strategic play and the ability to navigate through the field consistently over the race duration.
A wild caution on Lap 85 involving several cars didn't prevent Austin Hill from capturing a 6th place finish from 14th, with an ARP of 9.93. The final caution did impact the race as Anthony Alfredo, who ran an ARP of 11.29, finished 34th due to an accident. Several drivers saw their average running positions spoiled due to late cautions, affecting their final standings and reflecting the unpredictable nature of racing strategy.