Connor Zilisch is toying with the other NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers.
A winner of six of the past seven circuit events despite competing with a broken collarbone the past month, Zilisch on Saturday claimed his fourth pole position in a row, posting a hot qualifying lap of 136.633 mph at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Zilisch edged runner-up Nick Sanchez by 0.027 seconds and will start Saturday night’s Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog on the inside of the front row. Zilisch, a rookie with eight wins, could clinch the regular-season drivers’ championship before the playoffs open next week at Bristol Motor Speedway.
William Sawalich qualified third, 0.001 seconds behind Sanchez.
Zilisch has posted 13 consecutive top-five finishes, including seven trips to Victory Lane and three P2s.
We are SO back! 😤
For the first time in 15 years, the Xfinity Series takes to @WWTRaceway, live on the @TheCW_Sports App. pic.twitter.com/ZO3mvHP3Br
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) September 5, 2025
ARCA Prospect Brenden Queen Gets Xfinity Series Shot
Kaulig Racing intends to allow ARCA Menards Series regular Brenden Queen to compete at the Xfinity Series level. Queen will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet in his series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 12.
The 2024 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour champion, Queen leads ARCA’s drivers’ standings with 805 points, 42 over Lavar Scott. Queen posted six wins and 13 top-five finishes in 16 starts.
“It’s been a dream of mine to get a chance to drive in the Xfinity Series,” Queen said via press release. “I can’t wait to get to Bristol.
Queen, who learned to race on short tracks, captured three consecutive Late Model Stock car division titles (2020-22) at Langley Speedway.
#NASCAR… Brenden Queen (@03Butterbean) will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the No. 11 for @KauligRacing. pic.twitter.com/bAY4lnei2X
— TobyChristie.com (@TobyChristieCom) September 5, 2025
Starting Lineup for NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Nu Way 200 Sauced By Blues Hog
Here is a look at the lineup for Saturday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at World Wide Technology Raceway:
Starting Position, Driver, Car No.
- 1, Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
- 2, Nick Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
- 3, William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
- 4, Sam Mayer, No. 41 Ford
- 5, Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
- 6, Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
- 7, Aric Almirola, No. 19 Toyota
- 8, Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
- 9, Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
- 10, Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
- 11, Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
- 12, Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
- 13, Ryan Sieg, No. 39 Ford
- 14, Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
- 15, Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
- 16, Corey Day, No. 17 Chevrolet
- 17, Daniel Hemric, No. 11 Chevrolet
- 18, Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
- 19, Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
- 20, Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
- 21, Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
- 22, Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
- 23, Matt DiBenenedetto, No. 99 Chevrolet
- 24, Kole Raz, No. 76 Ford
- 25, Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
- 26, Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
- 27, Brennen Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
- 28, Jordan Anderson, No. 32 Chevrolet
- 29, Thomas Annunziata, No. 70 Chevrolet
- 30, Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
- 31, Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
- 32, Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
- 33, Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
- 34, Nick Leitz, No. 07 Chevrolet
- 35, Glen Reen, No. 35 Toyota
- 36, Lavar Scott, No. 45 Chevrolet
- 37, Matt Mills, No. 91 Chevrolet
- 38, Joey Gase, No. 53 Chevrolet
Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog starting lineup at World Wide Technology Raceway https://t.co/u3dj49YNS0 pic.twitter.com/tYUNCyg4ft
— Speedway Digest (@speedwaydigest) September 6, 2025
