Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier will unexpectedly compete for the second time at Pocono on Sunday, taking the wheel of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro in place of Justin Haley.
It was on Lap 23 of the Xfinity Series race that Haley got tapped by Sam Mayer and slammed into the inside retaining wall coming off turn 1. Haley slid into traffic, getting hit once again by an oncoming Ryan Vargas.
Video: Justin Haley and Ryan Vargas Crash Hard at Pocono After Contact From Mayer Triggers Crash
Haley remarked following the wreck that he felt fine to drive, but it was ultimately up to Spire Motorsports on who the driver would be.
FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass mentioned that the decision was “out of an abundance of caution.”
Allgaier gets a feel of the seat of the Spire No. 77. He will replace Haley today. Haley is OK but out of abundance of caution, Allgaier to race today. pic.twitter.com/HgAiSJSiyb
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 27, 2021
The Illinois driver made one Cup start in 2020, subbing for Jimmie Johnson who was diagnosed with COVID-19 at Indianapolis. Allgaier has not made a Cup start at Pocono since 2015, driving for Harry Scott where he finished 24th.
He finished third in Sunday’s Pocono Green 225 for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.