Roulette Recap follows a randomly-selected NASCAR Xfinity Series driver throughout a race and recaps their efforts. The driver could face calamity on lap one or start from the rear and win the race – there is no telling ahead of time. With that, may the odds be ever in the driver’s favor.
The third race of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season took teams to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In his 16 starts at the Nevada track, Jeremy Clements has an average finish of 21.5. Of those 16 starts, he has accumulated five top 15s, with a best finish of P11 in Spring 2022
While Clements and his No. 51 team qualified for the Alsco Uniforms 300 in P25, 11 drivers were forced to start from the rear. This gave Clements a leg up to start the race.
Stage 1
To start, drivers went four wide into turn 1 after the drop of the green flag. This would be a common sight on every restart.
Just three laps into the race, the caution flew. With only three laps under his belt, Mark Setzer, crew chief for the No. 51, opted to keep his driver on the track.
As Clements settled into P22, it was evident the Spartanburg, South Carolina driver was battling an ill-handling car. On lap 32, Clements informed his team he was worrying about his right front tire. The driver had good reason for his concern and he would learn more at the stage break.
Before work occurred on his car, Clements was instructed to, “Just manage the tire.” Additionally, his crew chief said he wanted to do this in order to ‘avoid bigger issues.’
Clements found himself being lapped with eight laps remaining in the opening stage. As the green and white checkered flag waved, he exclaimed, “Thank God I made it!”
Additionally, he told his team he was “stupid tight.” A round of adjustments came and he took to the track in P30 to start the second stage.
Prior to the restart, his crew chief informed him that his tires were worn with some cording, however, they were not close to blowing.
Stage 2
Stage 2 saw the Xfinity Series veteran battling for the Lucky Dog position. It was a relatively quiet stage until Josh Berry spun out with 18 laps remaining. Fortunately, Clements was scored the Lucky Dog. His team opted to take the wave around to be scored on the lead lap.
Spotter Drew Herring told his driver to ‘be on his toes’ in the closing laps. One more caution came as Rajah Caruth had issues with his car. This caution ended the stage with Clements in P23.
At the stage break, Clements told his team he was worried about the right front tire again. After a pit stop, his team got him off pit road quickly.
Unfortunately, Clements was quick as well – a little too quick. After being tagged with a speeding penalty, he would be forced to start at the tail end of the longest line.
Stage 3
At the start of the final stage, Clements found himself sitting P29. Once more, his instructions were to stay on his toes as the drivers near him were battling for the Lucky Dog spot.
After a round of green flag pit stops and with 50 laps remaining, Clements saw himself in P24, down one lap.
His crew chief encouraged him on his “really consistent” laps and told him he was doing a good job taking care of the No. 51 Chevy Camaro.
As the laps ticked by, things stayed quiet for the team.
Unfortunately, with only 12 cars on the lead lap to end the race, it was a bit of a frustrating afternoon.
In spite of this, Clements found himself scored P25.
Moreover, Clements brought his machine home clean and in one piece. Indeed, this seemingly small feat is big deal for a smaller, family-owned team like Jeremy Clements Racing.
Before signing off, Setzer told his driver, “Way to stay with it.”
Sponsor Shoutout
As NASCAR fans know, sponsors make the sport go ’round. We want to give a shoutout to a few of those that were part of the weekend for Jeremy Clements and the No. 51 team:
First Pacific Funding Racing, City Lights Shine, Diamondback Land Surveying, Fox Sports Spartanburg
Give Jeremy Clements (Instagram, Twitter) and Jeremy Clements Racing (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) a follow to keep up with the latest news from the driver and team.
