Nobody but Sammy Smith led the first 39 laps of Friday’s ARCA Menards Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York.
But then came the last lap and a one-lap shootout around the road course.
After Smith was forced onto the Turn 1 runoff by the second-place car of Taylor Gray, Brandon Jones and Nick Sanchez raced by to take their spots and race to the finish, which saw Jones take the checkered flag.
For Jones, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, it was his third ARCA win of the season. He earlier claimed victories at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway.
A WILD restart. Retweet to congratulate @BrandonJonesRac on his @ARCA_Racing WIN at Watkins Glen. pic.twitter.com/xcicxOt3Lv
— FOX Motorsports (@SPEED) August 19, 2022
After a dominating performance, Smith crossed the finish line in fifth.
Jesse Love was third and Daniel Dye was fourth.
For Smith, it was his third time this season where he has led the most laps, but failed to win the race.
Seven races remain on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. The next race is in less than 48 hours on Sunday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
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