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Allgaier scores valuable points with runner-up result at Pocono

Justin Allgaier feels fortunate that he figured out the significance of NASCAR’s new stage point system sooner than later.

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Barry Cantrell / NKP / Motorsport Images

On Saturday, the No. 7 JR Motorsports finished in the money in all three stages — and ahead of his teammate Elliott Sadler — to leave Pocono Raceway with his third podium finish of 2017 and the Xfinity Series points lead.

“Honestly, I didn’t know there were as many bonus points available for the playoffs as there was until three or four weeks ago,” Allgaier said. “Somebody told me how many bonus points there were and I thought, ‘Man, I got to get on it. I’m going to have to catch Elliott (Sadler).

“We’ve been fortunate that we’ve had some really good races and Elliott’s had some not so great luck, so it’s worked out that we’ve been able to take the points lead. At the same time, between the two of us, I’m really proud of where our company is at as a whole, what we’ve been able to accomplish.”

JR Motorsports currently holds first, second and third in the Xfinity standings with Allgaier, Sadler and William Byron, respectively. Sadler and Allgaier are the only full-time NXS drivers with two stage wins this season. Allgaier also won the Phoenix race in March.

Entering the Pocono Green 250, Sadler had a 12-point advantage over Allgaier. However, Sadler failed to finish in the top 10 in either of the first two stages before ending up fourth in the race - his fifth top-five finish of the season. Allgaier was sixth in Stage 1 and fifth in Stage 2 before passing Larson on the last lap for second.

Last year, Allgaier and Sadler were two of the final four series regulars battling in the first Xfinity playoffs championship round. Suarez won the season finale at Homestead-Miami — and the title. Sadler finished third in the race and two points behind Suarez. Allgaier was sixth in the race and third in the standings, five points behind Suarez.

Allgaier wouldn’t mind a rematch with Sadler in November.

“I feel we can keep gaining points, not necessarily on each other, but on the rest of the competitors and running down to the end of the regular season,” Allgaier added. “Then, hopefully, Elliott and I will be battling it out for a point or two when it comes to the end.”

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