Las Vegas

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Report

Saturday, October 15, 2022
Race 30 of 33 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Format: 72 laps - 167.04 miles
Nick Sanchez’s Finish: 12th

In his third race with Big Machine Racing, ARCA Menards Series champion, Nick Sanchez brought home a solid 12th place finish at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Friday evening, Sanchez took to the track in his Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers Chevrolet for practice on the 1.5 mile paved oval. During practice, Nick told Crew Chief, Patrick Donahue, that he was a “little free on entry” and could use a little more “side grip”. Sanchez finished the practice session 17th fastest.

As track conditions continued to change with the setting sun and temperatures dropping, the No. 48 Chevrolet was 11th in qualifying order. With a lap time of 30.792 seconds, Nick would start the Alsco Uniforms 302 from the 22nd position. Nick wrote on Twitter “Under drove qualifying bad, frustrated with myself on that. Very happy with the race balance/feel of the car, got a good piece just have to take it to the front tomorrow.”

Starting from the 22nd position, Nick worked hard to find his groove and make his way to the front. By the end of the first stage, he had broken into the top-15. The race consisted of 14 lead changes among 9 drivers - one of which being Nick Sanchez, before making his green flag stop. Sanchez needed to pass the 23 of Alfredo to be in position for the “Lucky Dog” pass back to the lead lap. Unfortunately, a caution came out before that pass could be made. Donahue could be heard on the radio telling Nick to take the pass around to get back on the lead lap - resulting in a restart from the back of the field. Fighting his way up through lapped traffic, Nick brought the SPIKED Coolers Chevrolet across the line at the Checkered Flag in 12th place.

Results:
Practice: 17th
Qualifying: 22nd
Stage 1: 15th
Stage 2: 14th
Final: 12th