Justin Bonsignore issues apology to Sheldon Creed after Rockingham wreck

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Justin Bonsignore, who competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has apologised to Sheldon Creed after a wreck in the late stages at Rockingham.

Bonsignore, in the No.19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, lost traction and collected Sheldon Creed's No. 00 Haas Factory Team Ford, sending him into the outside wall.

When asked for more details on what caused the late-race crash, Bonsignore clarified:

"I mean he [Jeb Burton in the no. 27] packed air the first time and I just got loose and then after that, I saw the replay, it was all on me. I never really got it back to neutral and was really free and got myself turned around. So, I mean he packed air on me once, but it was nothing, just tight racing there.

"So I just want to apologise that No. 00 [Sheldon Creed]. Got into him earlier too, so just another rough day of learning here."

Commenting on the progress that he and the team has made, Bonsignore added:

"We were running pretty good, we were back to the top 10 there for a while. So, track position we had, good long run speed, just didn't have good short run speed. Just frustrated with myself again today."

Justin Bonsignore, Toyota

Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

Although Jesse Love was the first to cross the finish line, his No. 2 Chevrolet failed post-race inspections, which led to his disqualification. As a result, Sammy Smith inherited the victory as well as the $100,000 Dash 4 Cash prize. Bonsignore was also disqualified after NASCAR found more than two loose lug nuts. It didn't impact his finish too much as he had already placed 36th, but will now be dropped to 38th.

Reacting to his win, Smith commented:

"It's tough winning them like that. It's unfortunate, I've been on the other end of the stick where Jesse is at. But, I guess, take them how you can get them.

"There's obviously been some issues for about two hours now, so me and my crew chief stayed around. I've got nowhere else to be besides church tomorrow for Easter, and decided to hang around for a little bit. So, I'm glad I stayed."