BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) - Since he's not in the playoffs, Xfinity driver Aric Almirola was able to gamble on tires, and it paid off when he claimed the win in Friday night’s Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff opener at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Justin Allgaier started on the pole and pushed to control the pace early, finishing first in stage one.

Series champion Connor Zilisch pulled ahead in stage two, aiming to claim his fifth consecutive victory and continue his record-breaking year into the playoffs. He was able to hold on and claim the second stage victory.

In stage three, Almirola was second to Zilisch when a caution flag flew with 36 laps remaining and when Zilisch pulled onto pit road for fresh tires, Almirola abruptly pulled his No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota back on track

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