CONCORD, N.C. — After Sam Mayer triumphed in the action-packed Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval on Saturday, Parker Kligerman observed a replay of the nail-biting incident that eliminated him from the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.
In overtime, Mayer overtook Kligerman in Turn 7 of the 2.280-mile, 17-turn course and surged ahead to secure a victory that advanced him to the Playoffs’ Round of 8.
For Kligerman, however, this win was a crushing blow, as he has yet to achieve an Xfinity Series victory. Leading the race with the white flag in sight, Kligerman was hit with a caution due to Leland Honeyman’s spin into the barrier in Turn 3.
If the caution had been issued just a fraction of a second later, Kligerman would have claimed the win under yellow flags. The overtime period granted Mayer an additional opportunity in his No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet—widely recognized as the top car—and the 21-year-old from Franklin, Wisconsin capitalized on this chance.
RELATED: Race results | At-track photos
“As we approached Turn 7, we were all tangled up,” Mayer recalled regarding his winning maneuver. “I felt loose going into (Turn) 6, and I knew that corner was my only real opportunity if I could take a good angle.
“He defended the inside line, which surprisingly worked to my advantage by giving me a better exit angle, allowing my Chevrolet to hook up, and we just pulled away from there. Now, it’s time to celebrate.”
Both Mayer and Kligerman aimed to secure a win for playoff advancement, but it was Mayer who triumphed, achieving his third win of the season, his second consecutive victory at the Roval, and the seventh of his career, finishing 1.474 seconds ahead of runner-up AJ Allmendinger.
He joins his JR Motorsports teammates Sammy Smith and Justin Allgaier in the Round of 8, alongside Chandler Smith (fifth), Austin Hill (fourth), defending series champion Cole Custer (13th), Allmendinger, and Jesse Love (19th), who just barely clinched the final transfer spot, finishing two points ahead of Saturday’s pole winner and third-place finisher, Shane van Gisbergen.
Kligerman exited Charlotte ranked 12th in the standings, trailing 24 points behind the Round of 8 after dropping to sixth on the final lap.
WATCH: Mayer on thrilling victory | Kligerman discusses finish
“I’ve done this interview from the other side,” Kligerman remarked, noting his dual careers in broadcasting and racing, adding that he would retire from full-time competition after the season. “This perspective is really difficult.
“I felt emotional when I thought we had it at the white flag, only to be hit with the caution and needing to refocus… I believed I had Turn 7 covered enough, but he (Mayer) found a way to get underneath me, and from there, the race was on.
“It was hard racing, and Sam didn’t cross any serious lines. It was contact, but as close as possible. Now, while I want to cry — I’m not going to cry — I truly love this sport, and it would have meant the world to me.”
Mayer faced his challenges too. He received a pass-through penalty on Lap 3 for jumping the start from his second position and encountered difficulties shifting into third gear in the initial corners of the NASCAR oval.
MORE: Xfinity Series standings | Xfinity Series schedule
Mayer persevered through these issues, as did Allgaier, who finished seventh after securing third place in Stage 1 and winning Stage 2—marking his 15th stage victory of the season.
Joining Kligerman and van Gisbergen in exiting the playoffs were Riley Herbst and Sheldon Creed, both victims in a pileup in Turn 17 on Lap 34. Herbst took 32nd place, while Creed finished 35th.
The Xfinity Series will kick off the Round of 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway next Saturday (7 p.m. ET, The CW, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
NOTE: The post-race inspection in the Xfinity Series garage concluded without any issues, confirming Mayer as the race winner. The No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Justin Allgaier, No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Sammy Smith, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet driven by Austin Hill, and No. 81 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driven by Chandler Smith all had one unsecured lug nut, resulting in a monetary fine.
Sam Mayer Claims Thrilling Victory at Charlotte Roval, Eliminating Parker Kligerman from Playoff Contention
Overview of the Charlotte Roval Race
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Roval delivered an electrifying showdown on October 7, 2023. Sam Mayer secured a thrilling victory, while Parker Kligerman found himself on the outside looking in as the playoffs progressed. This race became pivotal in shaping the playoff landscape, showcasing Mayer’s incredible driving skills and strategic acumen.
The Road to Victory: Sam Mayer’s Performance
Sam Mayer’s win at the Charlotte Roval was the culmination of a well-executed race plan that emphasized consistency, precision, and aggressive driving. Key elements of his performance included:
- Strategic Pit Stops: Mayer’s team made pivotal decisions regarding tire strategy, allowing him to maintain track position.
- Mastering the Roval: Mayer demonstrated exceptional skill on the tricky layout of the Charlotte Roval, consistently finding the fastest lines.
- Defensive Driving: In the closing laps, he skillfully defended his position against fierce competitors, showcasing his racing acumen.
The Impact of the Win on the Playoffs
With his victory, Sam Mayer not only celebrated his own success but also impacted the playoff standings significantly. Here’s how it played out:
- Elimination of Parker Kligerman: Kligerman, who was vying for a spot in the next round of the playoffs, faced elimination after failing to secure the necessary points.
- Shift in Momentum: Mayer’s win shifted the momentum in the playoff race, positioning him as a serious contender moving forward.
- Points Distribution: This win allowed Mayer to gather crucial playoff points, further solidifying his status in the championship chase.
Key Highlights from the Race
The Charlotte Roval race was filled with dramatic moments and standout performances. Some key highlights include:
- Early Race Incidents: Several early cautions shook up the field and set the stage for intense racing.
- Strategic Moves: Multiple drivers employed unique strategies, making the race even more unpredictable.
- Final Laps Drama: The final laps were a nail-biter, with Mayer holding off challengers while navigating traffic.
Playoff Contenders Overview
The playoff grid has become more competitive, with Mayer’s win reshaping the landscape. Here’s a brief overview of the current playoff contenders:
| Driver | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Mayer | X | Qualified |
| Parker Kligerman | Y | Eliminated |
| Other Contender 1 | Z | Qualified |
| Other Contender 2 | A | Qualified |
What This Victory Means for Sam Mayer
Sam Mayer’s victory at the Charlotte Roval is more than just a race win; it symbolizes growth and determination. Key points to consider include:
- Increased Confidence: Winning in such a high-pressure environment boosts Mayer’s confidence as he navigates the playoffs.
- Team Cohesion: The victory reflects the hard work and preparation of the entire team, fostering a stronger bond moving forward.
- Fan Engagement: Mayer’s win enhances his visibility among fans, potentially increasing his fanbase as he continues to perform well.
First-Hand Experience: Inside the Pits
Members of Mayer’s team shared insights about their strategy during the race. Here’s a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decision-making:
- Tire Management: The crew closely monitored tire wear, making timely calls that allowed Mayer to maintain speed without unnecessary pit stops.
- Communication: Effective communication between the spotter and Mayer played a crucial role in navigating the challenging track conditions.
- Quick Adjustments: The team made rapid adjustments during pit stops, showcasing their agility and preparedness for any situation.
Benefits of Mayer’s Win for Future Races
Sam Mayer’s victory at the Charlotte Roval brings several benefits not only for himself but for the team as a whole:
- Momentum Going Forward: Winning provides a psychological edge that can lead to further success.
- Better Understanding of Track Dynamics: Each race adds to Mayer’s experience, allowing him to refine his driving technique in future events.
- Fan and Sponsor Support: A victory increases visibility, attracting more sponsors and enhancing team support from fans.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for NASCAR Xfinity Series
The thrilling victory of Sam Mayer at the Charlotte Roval not only eliminated Parker Kligerman from playoff contention but also set the stage for an exciting continuation of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. As the playoffs progress, every race will be crucial, and Mayer’s win has raised the stakes for all contenders.
