Aric Almirola Wins Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tennessee, September 13, 2025

News Summary

Aric Almirola triumphed in the Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking his ninth career victory. His success was driven by a strategic decision to stay on worn tires during a pivotal pit stop, ultimately allowing him to lead the final 34 laps. Sheldon Creed finished in second place after passing Sam Mayer, who encountered difficulties due to damage. The race showcased impressive performances from several rookie drivers, highlighting the competitive nature of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Bristol, Tennessee — Aric Almirola claimed victory in the Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on September 12 at Bristol Motor Speedway. This win marks Almirola’s ninth career victory and his first at this iconic track, where he led the final 34 laps of the event.

Almirola’s victory came as a result of a strategic decision to stay on worn tires during a critical pit stop when there were less than 40 laps remaining. He explained that he had drawn inspiration from previous races where drivers managed to maintain a competitive edge on older tires. His shrewd maneuver ultimately paid off, allowing him to secure the win amidst fierce competition.

In the closing moments of the race, Sheldon Creed finished in second place after overtaking Sam Mayer, who had led for 68 laps earlier in the event but experienced challenges due to damage sustained from a late-race incident. Connor Zilisch, who entered the event on a four-race win streak, initially showed promise by leading for 98 laps but ultimately finished outside of the top five after opting for fresh tires at the final pit stop. Meanwhile, Justin Allgaier captured the pole position with a qualifying speed of 121.113 mph.

The 300-lap race was divided into two stages, with Allgaier winning his 11th stage of the season. Throughout the event, six rookie drivers impressively ranked within the top ten by lap 110. Among them, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen made his Xfinity Series debut and concluded the race in 20th position. The race featured notable incidents, including a significant spin on lap 72 that involved multiple drivers, impacting the race dynamics.

After winning, Almirola celebrated his success with a tire-squealing burnout on the track. This victory not only highlights Almirola’s expertise but also adds to the rich history of competitive racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, a venue renowned for its high-stakes, action-packed races.

Highlights of the Race

• Winner: Aric Almirola
• Second Place: Sheldon Creed
• Third Place: Sam Mayer
• Fourth Place: Connor Zilisch
• Pole Position: Justin Allgaier (121.113 mph)
• Most Laps Led: Connor Zilisch (98 laps)
• Rookie Highlights: Six rookies within top 10 by lap 110; Brenden Queen’s debut in 20th

Context of the Event

The Food City 300 is an integral part of the NASCAR Xfinity Series calendar, showcasing some of the most talented drivers and thrilling moments in motorsport. Bristol Motor Speedway, known for its unique half-mile oval track, creates an environment ripe for competitive racing, leading to dramatic overtakes and strategic decisions that can ultimately dictate race outcomes. Almirola’s victory reflects not only his skill but also a keen understanding of race dynamics and strategy.

Key Features of the Food City 300

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Additional Resources

• The Tennessean
• Wikipedia: Aric Almirola
• Sports Illustrated
• Google Search: Food City 300
• WCYB
• Google Scholar: Food City 300 2025
• Newsweek
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
• Herald Courier
• Google News: Food City 300 2025

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.