Chandler Smith earned the NASCAR Xfinity Series pole Friday afternoon for the Ambetter Health 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in his Kaulig Racing No. 16 Chevrolet with a 126.291 mph lap. It was his second consecutive pole, mirroring his effort at Atlanta Motor Speedway last week and his third Xfinity Series career pole.
The NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and the Whelen Modified Tour travel to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a full weekend of practice, qualifying and racing while the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series has a week off from competition.
William Byron blew a right rear tire on lap 80 after contact from Corey Lajoie. Byron spun, fortunately keeping the car off the wall, and fell a lap down. Byron persevered and recovered to take the lead early in the final stage. He held on for the win as rain ended the race early on lap 185.
The 25-year-old Byron from Charlotte, North Carolina, led the final 20 of 185-shortened laps in an event where he rallied from losing a lap by implementing a late pit strategic call to race his way to the front and claim his fourth Cup victory of the season in a rain-shortened event in the Peach State.
The 26-year-old Nemechek from Mooresville, North Carolina, led the final three of 169 over-scheduled laps and prevailed in overtime by fending off Daniel Hemric for his third Xfinity victory of the 2023 season.
This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series travel to Atlanta Motor Speedway while the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series compete at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Like many drivers, Kyle Busch slammed into the Turn 6 tire barrier and had to be helped out by a tow truck to continue. Busch recovered and charged to a finish of fifth, posting his sixth top 5 of the year.
The 26-year-old Ferguson from Lincolnton, North Carolina, will make his second career Truck start with Kaulig Racing more than a month after making his Truck debut at Bristol.
Spire Motorsports has earned one win and three top five finishes. Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in last year's Rackley Roofing 200 after leading 61 laps.
