The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs’ Round of 8 features a competitive lineup, with several drivers standing out as favorites based on their performance throughout the season and recent momentum:
1. Sam Mayer
- Momentum: Coming off his third win of the season at the Charlotte Roval and strong recent performances, including back-to-back Roval victories.
- Strengths: Mayer has shown he can handle high-pressure situations, making him a strong contender. He’ll be looking to keep his momentum rolling into this next round.
- Tracks to Watch: Martinsville could suit Mayer’s style, given his adaptability on short tracks.
2. Justin Allgaier
- Experience: Allgaier has the advantage of being a veteran in the Xfinity Series with strong past performances in the playoffs.
- Stage Wins: With 15 stage wins this season, Allgaier has been consistently fast, which positions him well to earn crucial points throughout the round.
- Tracks to Watch: Homestead-Miami has been a strong track for him in the past, making him a threat in the penultimate race of the round.
3. Austin Hill
- Regular Season Success: Hill has been a consistent frontrunner throughout the season, with wins on a variety of tracks, making him a versatile threat.
- Consistency: He has a habit of finishing in the top 10, which can make a big difference in the points battle of the Round of 8.
- Tracks to Watch: Las Vegas, as he has shown speed on intermediate tracks this year.
4. Cole Custer
- Defending Champion: Custer brings the experience of last year’s championship to this round, which could give him an edge under pressure.
- Recent Form: Though he hasn’t been dominant in recent races, Custer’s ability to navigate the playoffs makes him a potential favorite.
- Tracks to Watch: Martinsville and Homestead are tracks where his experience could shine through.
5. A.J. Allmendinger
- Road Course Specialist: Although there are no more road courses in this round, Allmendinger’s ability to push the limits makes him a wildcard, especially at tracks where handling is key.
- Recent Podiums: He finished as a runner-up at Charlotte and has been a consistent contender in key moments.
- Tracks to Watch: Watch for him to try and steal a win at Las Vegas or Martinsville to secure a Championship 4 berth.
Dark Horses:
- Chandler Smith: He’s been solid but lacks the experience of the others. However, he could surprise if he finds speed at the right time.
- Jesse Love: A rookie in the Xfinity Series Playoffs, he earned the final transfer spot. He has less pressure on him compared to other contenders, which could work to his advantage.
Overall Favorites:
Austin Hill and Justin Allgaier are likely the favorites due to their consistency and ability to adapt to different tracks. However, Sam Mayer’s recent surge in performance, including his clutch win at the Roval, makes him a strong contender. Expect a tight battle as the Round of 8 unfolds across Las Vegas, Homestead-Miami, and Martinsville, with a Championship 4 spot on the line.
Editor in Chief at Cup Scene Daily
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
Latest posts by Greg Engle (see all)
- 21 is a Winning Hand—Berry Delivers Wood Brothers a Vegas Victory - March 16, 2025
- Prime Video Announces Final Pieces of its NASCAR Broadcast Team - March 11, 2025
- Bell Survives the Madness as NASCAR’s Tire Experiment Shakes Up Phoenix - March 9, 2025