Almirola takes Xfinity race at Daytona under caution

Aric Almirola was declared the winner of Friday night’s Xfinity Series race when NASCAR determined he was the leader when the caution flag froze the field shortly before the finish line at Daytona International Speedway.

The race had already been sent to a two-lap overtime shootout when a multi-car accident on the backstretch clouded the final running order. A four-car pack led by Almirola and Justin Allgaier hurtled toward the finish, but NASCAR had to freeze the field because of the accident that happened behind them.

The cars were brought down pit road as NASCAR reviewed the running order, and Almirola was given the win. It was Almirola’s first Xfinity Series win since 2007, and his first win in any NASCAR series since he won the rain-shortened Sprint Cup race at Daytona in 2014.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 10:54 PM with the headline "Almirola takes Xfinity race at Daytona under caution."