It was a crisp September night at Bristol Motor Speedway, and the lights glowed over the half-mile concrete bowl like a fighter stepping into the ring. The 2025 Xfinity Series playoffs kicked off with the Food City 300, and Aric Almirola, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, quietly positioned himself for a special win. When many competitors pitted, Almirola stayed out on older tires. He led the final 34 laps of the race, fending off a relentless Sheldon Creed and others charging on fresh rubber. It was his 9th Xfinity win overall and his 2nd of the season, but more than that, his first Bristol win. The cheers weren’t just for a win, but for something almost overdue.

After the checkered flag, Almirola didn’t hide his emotions about how long he had waited for this at Bristol. “I have run so good

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