Justin Allgaier continued to prove why he’s one of the most consistent and respected drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with a strong third-place finish in the United Rentals 250 at Talladega. While Austin Hill and Carson Kvapil took the top two spots, Allgaier’s result was enough to lock himself into the Championship 4 on points. His eighth career trip to the title race. And now he has spoken about the team’s strategy towards their title charge.

Chevrolet’s united front pushes Xfinity title charge toward Phoenix

Allgaier believes Chevrolet’s success is rooted in teamwork at Dale Jr.’s team, and not just a coincidence. “We got two cars that still can go get in,” he said. “I’ve always thought we could get four Chevys into the final four at Phoenix. And I still think there’s a shot for that.”

It wasn’t an easy route, though. The Talladega race featured overtime drama, multiple red flags, and the ever-present threat of “The Big One.” Through it all, Allgaier showed his trademark composure, navigating chaos with poise and precision. Yet what stood out most wasn’t just his performance on the track but his perspective afterward. One that involved working for the greater goal – getting all four championship spots secured by Chevys.

With two races remaining before the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4, Chevrolet’s dominance is unmistakable. Talladega’s United Rentals 250 confirmed Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier as the first two drivers to clinch their spots in the final. Both secured their positions on points, showcasing a season-long combination of speed and consistency.

Behind them, the playoff standings remain filled with Bowtie muscle. Jesse Love (+40), Carson Kvapil (+11), Sammy Smith (-11), Brandon Jones (-20), Sam Mayer (-22), and Sheldon Creed (-41). That means Chevrolets occupy six of the top eight positions among the contenders, solidifying the manufacturer’s stronghold as the postseason nears its climax.

With Jesse Love and Carson Kvapil holding firm points cushions, with even Sammy Smith close by, it’s entirely possible for Chevrolet to put four cars into the title round. Their momentum reflects both JR Motorsports’ and Richard Childress Racing’s well-oiled programs, boosted by shared simulation data and cohesive preparation across garages.

Looking ahead, the Dale Jr. protegee describes his next challenge with refreshing ease. “I don’t have to worry about points. I don’t have to worry about anything else; I can just go have fun. It almost makes you a little more dangerous.” The next two battles, at Martinsville and Talladega, before the final race, will test every ounce of that confidence. Martinsville’s tight corners will demand precision and patience, while Talladega will hinge on strategy and execution.

For Chevrolet, this campaign isn’t just about chasing wins. Rather, it’s about proving the power of collaboration. With unified strategy and momentum, the Bowtie brigade stands poised to dominate the closing chapters of the 2025 Xfinity season.

A new chapter for Allgaier’s crew chief

As Justin Allgaier’s grip on another Xfinity Series championship tightens, his longtime crew chief, Jim Pohlman, is preparing for a major career leap. The man is moving to the Cup Series in 2026 as Kyle Busch’s crew chief at Richard Childress Racing from Dale Jr.’s JR Motorsports. The news, confirmed last week, closes one of the most successful chapters in JR Motorsports’ recent history and opens a new one that could reshape Busch’s trajectory in the No. 8 Chevrolet.

Pohlman, who guided Allgaier and the No. 7 team to the 2024 Xfinity championship and another playoff berth this year, credited his driver for helping shape his leadership style. “My goal has always been to race on Sundays, but I couldn’t have done it without working alongside Justin,” Pohlman shared. “He made me better, more detail-focused, and more confident in the box.” Their partnership produced nine wins over three seasons, and their chemistry became the benchmark for JRM’s resurgence.

Allgaier echoed that sentiment during a media session at Talladega, saying, “I think it’s really cool that somebody like him is getting the opportunity to go do that… they picked the right guy. His work ethic is unmatched. If he was around in the ’70s and ’80s, he’d be a 10-time champion.” Despite the impending separation, Allgaier emphasized that both remain laser-focused on finishing their Xfinity title run strong before Phoenix.

Jim Pohlman’s promotion from Dale Jr.’s team also marks a strategic shift for RCR, which hopes his analytical mindset and JRM-honed precision can reignite Busch’s performance. With Pohlman’s leadership journey emerging as one of NASCAR’s most compelling success stories, from Xfinity champion to Cup-level tactician, his transition illustrates how JR Motorsports continues to cultivate some of the brightest minds driving Chevrolet’s future success across NASCAR’s top tiers.