In a thrilling start to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase, Sheldon Creed from Alpine, California, showcased his racing prowess by winning the Fleetio 200 at Darlington Raceway on September 5, 2026. The 2020 Craftsman Truck Series champion led the final 53 of 147 laps, demonstrating his ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on strategic pit stops.
The victory at the track known as Too Tough to Tame was a significant milestone for Creed, who had qualified in 13th place and initially struggled to find his rhythm. His triumph not only marked his first win at Darlington but also set the tone for his Championship aspirations in 2026.
The Road to Victory
Creed’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. Starting in 13th place, he found himself in the bottom half of the top-10 mark after the first stage. However, his team’s decision to equip him with fresh tires before the second stage proved to be a game-changer. Navigating through three cautions, Creed climbed his way to a third-place result, setting the stage for his final stage dominance.
The turning point came when Creed received stellar pit service from his No. 00 Haas Factory Team crew, allowing him to beat Corey Day off pit road and inherit the lead. From there, Creed’s strategic driving and ability to handle two late-race restarts, including one with 40 laps remaining, secured his victory over a competitive field.
Qualifying Highlights
Prior to the race, Qualifying determined the starting lineup, with Chaser Carson Kvapil securing his first-ever pole position with a lap at 161.636 mph. Teammate and Chaser Justin Allgaier qualified in second place, setting the stage for an intense competition. However, several drivers, including Ryan Ellis, Brent Crews, Brad Perez, and Jeremy Clements, were penalized and dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments to their entries.
As the green flag waved, Kvapil and Allgaier briefly dueled for the lead before Allgaier took command using the outside lane. Allgaier led the first lap and extended his advantage, with Jesse Love, Brandon Jones, and Austin Hill trailing in the top five. Behind them, Sam Mayer, Parker Retzlaff, Taylor Gray, Rajah Caruth, and Anthony Alfredo were racing in the top 10, while Sammy Smith, Corey Day, and Sheldon Creed trailed in the top 13.
The Final Stages
Throughout the race, Allgaier maintained a significant lead, extending his advantage to nearly three seconds by the Lap 20 mark. However, the event’s first caution flew on Lap 33 due to Preston Pardus spinning off the fourth turn. During this caution, most of the field, including Allgaier and Kvapil, pitted, while others, led by Chasers Brandon Jones and Corey Day, remained on the track.
Following the pit stops, Allgaier exited pit road first, ahead of Lavar Scott, Kvapil, Hill, and Alfredo. The first stage period restarted with six laps remaining, and Allgaier made a bold three-move maneuver to move into the runner-up spot behind Jones. By the Lap 40 mark, Allgaier, who had fresher tires, motored away from the competition.
When the first stage period concluded on Lap 45, Allgaier fended off a late charge from Kvapil to capture his ninth O’Reilly stage victory of the 2026 season. The second stage period started on Lap 51, with Allgaier and Kvapil occupying the front row. However, the caution returned due to Daniel Dye getting bumped by Dean Thompson, allowing Creed and Retzlaff to climb through the field.
The victory at Darlington was a testament to Creed’s skill and the strategic brilliance of his team. As the Chase for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship continues, Creed’s win sets a high standard for the remaining races.
