Sam Mayer Dominates Hy-Vee Perks 250 for Back-to-Back Win
UPDATE: Sam Mayer has just clinched his second consecutive victory in the Hy-Vee Perks 250 at Iowa Speedway, marking a significant moment for the Haas Factory team and Ford in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Mayer, who took control of the race on a pivotal restart on lap 221, never looked back, securing the win and bringing the excitement to the packed crowd on July 15, 2023.
Mayer’s triumph is not only his eighth career victory but also the first for Ford in this season’s series. “We’ve put in a lot of work to chase checkered flags and this feels awesome,” Mayer exclaimed post-race. “I can’t wait to walk into the shop and see how excited the team is because they’ve worked so hard to get here.”
The race took a dramatic turn as Mayer, who previously won the event in a Chevrolet last season, showcased his skill in the No. 41 Ford. He passed runner-up Jesse Love on lap 223 and dominated subsequent restarts, driving away from the competition. Mayer’s journey to victory was not without challenges, as he faced setbacks during pit stops that forced him back to 16th place on lap 71. However, his determination saw him battle back through the field, finishing fourth in the first stage and regaining momentum in the later stages.
Mayer’s performance was complemented by his strong restart skills, which he described as “awesome,” allowing him to go from 17th to ninth in one of the restarts. His final surge solidified his lead, despite the fierce competition from Connor Zilisch, who was seeking his fourth consecutive win. Zilisch, who initially led Stage 1, encountered mechanical issues during a pit stop that impacted his race strategy.
The aftermath of the race saw Ross Chastain finishing third, while Zilisch and Harrison Burton rounded out the top five. Zilisch’s struggle to maintain his earlier momentum highlighted the challenges of the race, as he finished fourth despite starting the final stage in 17th.
The championship landscape is tightening as Zilisch and teammate Justin Allgaier are now tied for the series points lead at 772, with Mayer closing the gap at 756. Mayer expressed optimism about his title chances, stating, “I do think I have a chance to win the title now.”
In a noteworthy development, Austin Hill was absent from the race due to a suspension, further shaking up the playoff standings. The race was marked by intense competition, with Chastain leading the most laps at 120, while Mayer took the lead for the final 28 laps.
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads toward its final races, Mayer’s victory at Iowa sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season. Fans and participants alike are eager to see how the standings will shift in the coming weeks as the playoff race intensifies.
Expect further updates as the NASCAR season progresses, with all eyes on the drivers as they prepare for the next challenge ahead.
