Aric Almirola’s victory in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a testament to his experience and determination. The veteran driver led a race-high 107 laps, sweeping all 3 stages, and secured his 3rd win of the season. In the final laps, Almirola faced stiff competition from rookie Connor Zilisch, who had taken the lead after a late restart.

However, Almirola’s strategic moves and composure under pressure allowed him to reclaim the lead and hold off Zilisch, crossing the finish line with a margin of over half a second. “Our car was good, really good, but I struggled with the car on the long run the whole race,” he said after the race. But more importantly, he credited his very dear friend and teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing for his win, and with updates on the upcoming races.

Aric Almirola salutes JGR teammates’ contribution to the championship run

In a remarkable show of selfless support, Almirola relayed Justin Bonsignore’s sentiment in a post-race interview at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, saying, “Talked to Justin and he was incredibly gracious and said, ‘you guys have gotten yourself in a position to go race for an owner’s championship. You’ve earned it, you deserve it, and I don’t want to be in the way of that,'” underscoring the gravity of Bonsignore’s decision.

As a proven champion in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and a respected part-time driver for JGR, Bonsignore had previously been scheduled to race the No. 19 at the season’s closing races, including the finale at Phoenix Raceway. However, with Almirola securing the car an automatic berth into the Owner’s Championship 4 by winning the Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas, JGR opted to put Almirola in the seat for the final two races at Martinsville and Phoenix to maximize the title chances.

Almirola continued to elaborate on the respectful nature of their exchange, emphasizing the positive conversation that led to the change. “I talked to him on the phone this week and he was amazing. The fact that he said, ‘No, I want you guys to go win an owner’s championship,’ and he was very much a part of this, right? The fact that he came and participated, he ran the races, he helped fill out the race so that it wasn’t a part-time car,” he said.

For the No.19 JGR car to compete for the Owner’s Championship, its results across the entire season needed to culminate in success. This feat required contributions from all the part-time drivers who piloted the Toyota GR Supra. Bonsignore, who had 7 starts in the car leading up to this point, was instrumental in helping amass the points total and wins that put the car in contention.

Almirola highlighted Bonsignore’s complete backing of the plan, stating, “You can’t race for an owner’s championship if you don’t run all the races. So the fact that Justin came and was a part of it and helped fill out the races was awesome.” The ability to field a car in all 33 Xfinity races depended on the collective efforts of the drivers. His willingness to step aside for the finale, yet fully support the goal, is a classic example of a team player.

Concluding his reflection, Almirola expressed gratitude and looked forward to sharing the potential success with his teammate, “He said him and his wife were still going to come to Phoenix, and I told him I’m so glad that they are, because he’s a part of it. He’s a part of the team, he’s a part of the 19 team, and I’m glad that he’ll be there and hopefully we’ll celebrate together. He’s certainly deserving of being a part of that championship run.”

As the season finale nears in Phoenix, fans will be waiting to see how these strategic moves shape the final standings and the team’s legacy.

Aric Almirola passes Connor Zilisch to secure Xfinity win

With seasoned Cup drivers, rising rookies, and the entire Xfinity field hunting playoff points, the Focused Health 302 race buzzed with tension. The race came down to a thrilling last-stage duel, as Aric Almirola executed a stunning late-race pass on Connor Zilisch with just 10 laps remaining, demonstrating his trademark clutch ability under pressure.

Almirola dominated throughout and secured a well-deserved win. In victory lane, he praised his sponsor and the broader purpose of the partnership: “First, thank you, God. This is such an unbelievable opportunity to do this with a signatory and Young Life. They have watch parties all over the globe with these young life kids, and it’s so much fun to be a part of this.”

The win also emphasized Almirola’s long-standing bond with Joe Gibbs Racing. Reflecting on the opportunity, he said, “Thank you, Coach. Such an awesome honor to go race for an owner’s championship with JD Gibbs’ name on the car, the whole Gibbs family. I’m having so much fun.” His victory not only keeps the No. 19 car in contention but also sets up a dramatic finish at Phoenix, where Almirola will aim to deliver another title for JGR.