Aric Almirola celebrated a win at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday night, not only securing victory but also claiming a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus.
Almirola's win came after a dramatic overtime restart, where he managed to overtake Sam Mayer and ultimately win the DUDE Wipes 250 under caution when Riley Herbst, pole winner Brandon Jones and Ryan Ellis wrecked in Turn 2 on the final lap.
This victory marked Almirola's first win since retiring from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition and rejoining Joe Gibbs Racing this season.
Despite having five NASCAR Xfinity Series wins to his name, the driver of the number 20 JGR Toyota had always felt his first win was tainted.
Back in 2007, he won the pole at the Milwaukee Mile and started the race but turned the car over to Denny Hamlin, who actually drove to victory, but Almirola got credit for the win as the driver of record.
Almirola expressed his joy and gratitude for the opportunity to finally secure a genuine win for Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Man, this is so awesome,” Almirola said. “To win for Joe Gibbs Racing. I’ve had an asterisk next to a win for Coach [Joe Gibbs] for 17 years, and this is so awesome to finally put a real win banner up inside the shop at Joe Gibbs Racing.”
Despite leading for 148 of 251 laps, Almirola's victory was not assured until the final restart, where he managed to break clear and take the lead.
Additionally, Almirola clinched the Dash 4 Cash bonus as the highest finisher among four eligible drivers.
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