The NASCAR Xfinity Series made its return to Rockingham Speedway on Saturday for the first time since 2004 and the race did not disappoint.
Saturday’s race was full of action and carnage that saw many cars torn up as well as fuel strategy come into play late in the race.
Nick Sanchez won the first stage while Dean Thompson earned the win in the second stage. The race featured 15 cautions and 16 lead changes and was also red flagged twice in the final 10 laps due to accidents.
Richard Childress Racing drive Jessie Love was then able to get past JR Motorsports driver Sammy Smith on the final restart in overtime, going on to capture the checkered flag and securing his second victory of the season.
He was fast all day. And now he’s got the checkered flag!@jesselovejr1 wins at Rockingham in NASCAR Overtime! pic.twitter.com/mfWzeOgWBP
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 19, 2025
Of course, Smith also won the season-opening race at Daytona.
While the action calmed down after the race, the twists to it were not over as NASCAR made a massive announcement hours after the finish regarding Love and Richard Childress Racing.
NASCAR announced that Smith’s No. 2 Chevrolet has been disqualified following post-race inspection for issues in the rear suspension.
NEWS: The No. 2 car has been disqualified following post-race inspection at Rockingham Speedway for issues pertaining to the rear suspension.@sammysmithSS has been declared the winner of today’s race. pic.twitter.com/JRv4FP4yLh
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 20, 2025
With Smith’s disqualification, the new winner of Saturday’s race at Rockingham is Smith and his No. 8 crew from JR Motorsports.
This is massive news for both sides as Love now gets credited with a last-place finish at Rockingham and will lose valuable regular season and playoff points due to the ruling.
For Smith, this marks his first victory of the season and also the third in his Xfinity Series career.
While Love was disqualified, RCR will have the opportunity to appeal NASCAR’s decision and if they win their appeal, they will get the win and their points back while Smith will be credited with a second-place finish.
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