“I’m excited to be back at Daytona.” These were CJ McLaughlin’s words ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona. After four failed attempts, McLaughlin was determined to make his fifth one count. He had joined the DGM Racing and Main Street Auto to form a formidable team to challenge top contenders. However, Mother Nature had some other plans.

Rain, chaos, and a controversial rulebook decision turned his excitement into heartbreak. NASCAR’s handling of Saturday’s Xfinity Series qualifying left McLaughlin and others without a fair chance. While the defending champion and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s star driver, Justin Allgaier, secured the pole, McLaughlin and two others were left out in the cold.

CJ McLaughlin’s dream shattered even before it began

The build-up to the 2025 season opener was already plagued with weather issues. The rain had washed out several practice and qualifying sessions throughout the week. After canceling several events on Wednesday and delaying a few on Thursday, NASCAR was hoping for a scheduled start on Saturday. However, when the Xfinity Series qualifying finally began, heavy rainfall played spoilsport to NASCAR’s plans.

Unfortunately, just twelve cars had completed their laps before the skies opened up again. NASCAR initially tried to wait out the storm and dry the track, but the delays became too much. In a surprising move, officials canceled the session. Instead of rescheduling or finding another way to set the lineup, they went straight to the rulebook. The decision? Use last year’s owner points to determine the starting grid. This ruling sealed McLaughlin’s fate. Despite being on track and ready to compete, he didn’t get a fair chance to earn his spot.

Apart from McLaughlin, JJ Yeley, and Carson Ware also failed to qualify for the United Rentals 300. If the session had continued, they could have fought for their positions. For McLaughlin, this was more than just missing a race. The DGM Racing driver had worked hard to secure sponsorship and a competitive ride for the event. He was keen to improve his previous highest finish of 19th place.

“The DGM Racing team are true racers, and it already feels like home working with them. With a great race team and great sponsors behind me, I’m looking forward to getting on track and making the most of this opportunity at such a special place,” McLaughlin had told media. Notably, McLaughlin has 50 starts to his name in the NASCAR national series, including 45 in Xfinity and five in the Truck Series.

While CJ McLaughlin failed to qualify with his No.92 Chevy, JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier was awarded the pole position. The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion will start at the front, thanks to the JRM’s owners’ points. Notably, the ongoing weekend has been very fruitful for Allgaier. On Thursday night, he led Dale Jr.’s JR Motorsports to qualify for the Daytona 500. This will mark the team’s maiden cup series start.

Notably, the decision to set the Xfinity lineup based on owner points worked heavily in their favor. It gave Allgaier the pole position, which offers a crucial advantage at a track like Daytona. Other JR Motorsports drivers, like Brandon Jones and Sam Mayer, also secured strong starting spots. Apart from them, another beneficiary includes Taylor Gray, who will start in the front row. Meanwhile, Christian Eckes, Austin Hill, and William Sawalich will complete the top five.

Notably, Sheldon Creed, Brandon Jones, Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, and Carson Kvapil will round out the top ten. The United Rentals 300 is scheduled to start just after 5:00 PM ET. If weather conditions allow, we can witness a full-fledged race. It’s worth noting that the last three United Rentals 300 have been won by Austin Hill. Staring in the top 10, he will surely pose a massive threat to others.

Starting line-up for the United Rentals 300