Taylor Gray Secures First NASCAR Xfinity Win at Martinsville Amid Playoff Eliminations

Taylor Gray claimed his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in an overtime finish at Martinsville Speedway, overcoming previous challenges at the track and securing a critical win in his 45th career start. Gray's win prevented Sammy Smith from making the Championship 4, with Smith finishing second after a respectful race without aggressive moves this time. Jesse Love and Carson Kvapil secured the final two spots in the Championship 4 alongside Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier, while notable drivers including Brandon Jones, Sheldon Creed, Sam Mayer, and Smith were eliminated from playoff contention. The race featured intense rivalries and strategic pit stops, with Harrison Burton leading early before falling back, and Kvapil overcoming a late spin to clinch his championship spot by a narrow margin. The Championship 4 will contend for the title at Phoenix Raceway next weekend, marking the final race with Xfinity as the series' entitlement sponsor. Gray's victory, including his innovative use of the roof hatch after a crash, solidifies his status as a rising talent in the series.