Grant Enfinger Advances to Championship Race with Talladega Win

Grant Enfinger climbing out of his No. 9 truck in Victory Lane after winning at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, October 4, 2024. (Photo: Hayden Hutchison | The Podium Finish)

LINCOLN, Ala. — After surviving the first round of the playoffs, Grant Enfinger now has no worries about the Round of 8 after winning the Love’s RV Stop 250 at Talladega.

The win is Enfinger’s first of the season and the first-ever win for CR7 Motorsports. Enfinger also punched his ticket into the Championship 4, looking to avenge the heartbreaking defeat from a season ago.

“We didn’t make all the perfect decisions today, but we had a Champion Power Equipment Chevy that was fast enough to get it done today,” said Enfinger. “There’s nothing like winning at your home track. Got my family here and first win with my daughter and my son here. On top of that, we get to race for a championship in Phoenix.”

Grant Enfinger (9) during the Love’s RV Stop 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. (Photo: Hayden Hutchison | The Podium Finish)

Enfinger is the first driver to advance to the final four, leaving him stress-free about the next two races at Homestead-Miami and Martinsville, as well as giving his team a big advantage.

“Obviously we can start focusing on Phoenix right away and that’s a huge advantage I think,” said Enfinger. “The way I look at it, we don’t have to worry about points for the next two races. Very, very proud of what this win means, but realistically, we still have a lot to do to prepare for the championship.”

Taylor Gray finished runner-up, matching his career-best finish up to this point. Daniel Dye finished in third, Rajah Caruth came home fourth and Lawless Alan scored fifth place, a new career-high.

Grant Enfinger in Victory Lane celebrating with his No. 9 CR7 Motorsports team after winning at Talladega Superspeedway. (Photo: Hayden Hutchison | The Podium Finish)

With Enfinger advancing, three spots remain in the final round and are currently held by Corey Heim, Christian Eckes and Ty Majeski.

Majeski finished in 12th place, but was upset with certain moves made in the race and only scoring four stage points. Although he is only five points to the good, Majeski has had success at the remaining tracks in the Round of 8.

“We had a fast truck and made a bad decision,” said Majeski following the race. “I hopped out of line and cost ourselves some Stage 2 points, so I don’t know where that puts us in the points, but I guess it could have been worse if we finished 12th.”

Playoff Standings (Race 1/3 in the Round of 8)

1. Grant Enfinger (ADVANCED)
2. Corey Heim (+30)
3. Christian Eckes (+29)
4. Ty Majeski (+5)
5. Rajah Caruth (-5)
6. Taylor Gray (-13)
7. Nick Sanchez (-20)
8. Tyler Ankrum (-23)

Stage 1 Top 10 Results

1. Matt Mills
2. Grant Enfinger
3. Jake Garcia
4. Connor Zilisch
5. William Sawalich
6. Dean Thompson
7. Ty Majeski
8. Lawless Alan
9. Taylor Gray
10. Tanner Gray

Stage 2 Top 10 Results

1. Grant Enfinger
2. Jake Garcia
3. Lawless Alan
4. Christian Eckes
5. Dean Thompson
6. Rajah Caruth
7. Corey Heim
8. Tanner Gray
9. Bret Holmes
10. Layne Riggs

Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway Finishing Results