Daniel Hemric becomes 31st champion of Xfinity Series

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Daniel Hemric earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win — and championship — Saturday in the Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.

Hemric dueled with race leader Austin Cindric in a NASCAR Overtime finish, making the pass on the last lap and beating Cindric in a photo finish.

“I gave one away here in the spring,” Hemric said. “Felt like I had to give one up here last week. We were not going to be denied.”

Hemric finished the season with 1 win, 15 Top-5 finishes, 21 Top-10 finishes, a 10.8 average finish and 663 laps led.

Hemric is the 19th different champion in the Xfinity Series’ 40th season and third different champion in the last three seasons.

For Cindric, the defending series champion came up one position short in his quest for a second consecutive title.

“I felt like we had a dominant race car,” Cindric said. “I felt like we did everything right. Come up a little bit short. Sometimes it’s like that way. 

“Unfortunately, at the end of both seasonal championships this year I’m getting obviously moved out of the way and doored, but that’s hard racing.”

Harrison Burton, Riley Herbst and Justin Haley rounded out the Top-5 finishers.

The other two championship contenders — Noah Gragson and A.J. Allmendinger — finished 12th and 14th respectively.

SOURCES
Racing-Reference.info
Toyota Racing