AVONDALE, Ariz. – Carson Kvapil and Jesse Love dominated much of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, trading the top two spots and setting the pace for most of the event. Despite their strong performances, it was Justin Allgaier who ultimately captured the win at the one-mile oval, earning his 29th series victory and his first at Phoenix since 2019.
Love led the race for 114 laps, the most of any driver, while Kvapil controlled the track for 22 laps. Both drivers started the 200-mile contest with high hopes of securing a win at this track. Love, fresh from multiple championships at Phoenix across various series, appeared especially formidable after winning the race’s second stage in his No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
Race Dynamics and Key Moments Set Stage for Final Turnaround
Throughout the race, Love and Kvapil battled not only each other but also other top competitors like Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer, members of the Haas Factory Team. Late caution flags led to restarts that proved pivotal. Love expressed regret after the race for not conserving his Goodyear tires better to be more competitive during those final restarts, which allowed Allgaier to capitalize. With worn tires, Love struggled to maintain his position, opening the door for Allgaier’s decisive pass during the closing laps.
The last restart, I thought it went exactly how I thought it was going to go,
Love reflected on pit road.
I chose the bottom (lane) because I thought they would wash up and open the door, and it did, and it was probably the best two restarts in my life. And then, yeah, just the 7 (Allgaier) just had my number there the last few laps, and I should have figured out a way to make it harder on him, and he timed it out right. Yeah, just a little bit blown away.
– Jesse Love, Driver
Rodney Childers’ Guidance Adds Confidence to Kvapil’s Pursuit
Carson Kvapil, who races in the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, nearly seized his first O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at Phoenix, buoyed by the support of crew chief Rodney Childers. Childers joined JRM’s O’Reilly team this offseason and brings valuable experience, having previously helped Kevin Harvick secure five wins at Phoenix. Kvapil pointed to Childers’ insight and preparation as a significant boost.
He doesn’t talk a whole lot, but we prepare quite a bit for all the races,
Kvapil said with a smile.
Obviously, I’m kind of at a point where every race really matters, and going and running good in one of these races and winning one is huge for me. So we’re just really trying to prepare as much as we can, maximize our sim time and just do all the right things, and I kind of feel like this is a preview for what we’re going to have with the 1 car this year – at least I hope so.
– Carson Kvapil, Driver
Kvapil’s 2026 Season Builds Momentum Across Multiple Teams
Following the Phoenix race, Kvapil advanced to fourth place in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings. His 2026 schedule spans multiple teams: 24 races with JR Motorsports in the No. 1 car, five events with JRM’s No. 9 squad, and four races for DGM Racing, which fielded his car at the recent Circuit of The Americas event. Next up is Las Vegas, where Kvapil will drive the No. 9 Chevrolet, continuing his demanding schedule.
Love Maintains Strong Standings After Another Top-Finish Effort
Jesse Love remains second in the series points, trailing new leader Justin Allgaier. Despite not finding Victory Lane this weekend, Love’s consistent strong performances stand out; he is the only driver to finish in the top 10 in all four races of the current season. That continued consistency offers hope and motivation as the season progresses.
Well, I’m really proud of our group. I’m proud of Danny (Stockman, crew chief) and the whole team,
Love remarked.
I’m proud of everybody back in Welcome, (North Carolina, RCR headquarters) for having a really productive offseason. It’s really easy to win a championship and get complacent, and I think that we knew that going into the offseason, and we refused to let that happen. So yeah, we’ve got the best cars right now, and I just … I have got to do a better job and close it out.
– Jesse Love, Driver
The Season’s Outlook and Rising Competition
The Phoenix race underscored the growing intensity within the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, highlighting Kvapil’s and Love’s strong but ultimately thwarted bids for victory and Allgaier’s timely surge to the front. With pivotal races like Las Vegas approaching, Kvapil’s effort across three teams and Love’s consistent performance will be key storylines as contenders push toward the championship. Their experiences and adjustments at Phoenix set an optimistic tone for what lies ahead in this competitive season.
