The NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 250 came to a surprising end. While Sammy Smith celebrated a strong victory at Talladega Superspeedway, after an exhilarating last-lap pass, the conclusion of the race was overshadowed by the disqualification of fellow driver, Sam Mayer.

Smith, driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, clinched his first victory of the 2024 season in an exciting overtime piece of driving. This win, his second career win in 76 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, ensured his advancement to the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.

Despite Smith’s celebrations, it was the disqualification of Mayer which took the limelight. Mayer’s No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro was found to be too low in the rear during the post-race inspection, leading to his removal from the results. Adding to this, Chandler Smith, driving the No. 81 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra, received a penalty for a loose lug nut, leading to a fine for his crew chief.

The official standings, confirmed post-inspection, now place Ryan Sieg in the runner-up position, followed by Riley Herbst in third, with Sheldon Creed and Chandler Smith completing the top five.

NASCAR Xfinity Series
Sammy Smith, driver of the #8 TMC Transportation Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 05, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. Sam Mayer is…


Chris Graythen/Getty Images

This comes after Mayer signed with the Haas Factory Xfinity Series team for the 2025 season, meaning his time with JR Motorsports and Chevrolet will come to an end this season. Commenting on the new contract at the time, Mayer explained, as quoted by NBC Sports:

“It’s really important to continue development for me as a race car driver and Haas Factory is providing that for me on and off the racetrack. I think that they’re going to do a really good job of setting the table for me to go out and perform and dominate.”

NASCAR Xfinity Series: United Rentals 250 Race Results

  1. Sammy Smith – Running
  2. Ryan Sieg – Running
  3. Riley Herbst – Running
  4. Sheldon Creed – Running
  5. Chandler Smith – Running
  6. Jesse Love – Running
  7. Jeb Burton – Running
  8. David Starr – Running
  9. Brennan Poole – Running
  10. Kyle Sieg – Running
  11. AJ Allmendinger – Running
  12. Parker Kligerman – Running
  13. Tommy Joe Martins – Running
  14. Leland Honeyman – Running
  15. Ryan Ellis – Running
  16. Matt DiBenedetto – Running
  17. CJ McLaughlin – Running
  18. Blaine Perkins – Running
  19. Aric Almirola – Running
  20. Dean Thompson – Running
  21. Joey Gase – Running
  22. Carson Ware – Running
  23. Austin Hill – Running
  24. Dylan Lupton – Running
  25. Justin Allgaier – Running
  26. Cole Custer – Running
  27. Carson Kvapil – Accident
  28. Brandon Jones – Accident
  29. Anthony Alfredo – Accident
  30. Parker Retzlaff – Accident
  31. Kyle Weatherman – Running
  32. Taylor Gray – Accident
  33. Jordan Anderson – Accident
  34. Josh Williams – Accident
  35. Shane Van Gisbergen – Accident
  36. Jeremy Clements – Brakes
  37. Nick Leitz – Accident
  38. Sam Mayer – Running (Disqualified)