Connor Zilisch is widely favored to capture the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ drivers’ championship Saturday night at Phoenix Raceway.
For good reason.
The 19-year-old rookie captured 10 races this season, established a record with 18 consecutive top-five finishes and led at least one lap in 20 races in a row.
Oh, yeah. He also became the circuit’s first pilot to visit Victory Lane eight times over an 11-race span.
Zilisch accomplished all that despite breaking his collarbone in November.
Expected to compete on the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, Zilisch is in line to earn his one and only Xfinity Series drivers’ title. In the spring race at the 1-mile desert oval, Zilisch led two laps before fading to finish P16. In the 2024 Championship 4 event, Zilisch raced as an independent and placed fourth.
“We’ve been able to work on [Phoenix] for the last three or four weeks, assuming we were going to make it,” Zilisch told NASCAR.com last week. “We’ve been doing a lot to make sure that we are better going back from the spring and that we execute the day and make the most of it. It’s been good so far, and I feel like we’ve gotten to a good spot, preparing myself for it.”
Zilisch (+105) garnered the top odds to capture the circuit title, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Justin Allgaier (+160) received the second-best odds, followed by Carson Kvapil (+600) and Jesse Love (+650).
Connor Zilisch got a BIG ovation from the crowd in driver intros. Lots of cheers. Becoming a fan favorite as he tries to complete one of the greatest seasons in Xfinity Series history. pic.twitter.com/ZjKQy2KsRw
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 25, 2025
Suspended Sam Mayer Out, Replacement Ryan Sieg In
With NASCAR officials issuing a suspension to Xfinity Series driver Sam Mayer for Saturday’s finale, Haas Factory Team on Tuesday announced Ryan Sieg will pilot the No. 41 Ford.
Mayer received the suspension following his post-race interactions with driver Jeb Burton following last Saturday’s event at Martinsville. Mayer and Burton battled during the third of three Round of 8 races, prompting Mayer to intentionally wreck his rival after the checkered flag.
The Kannapolis, N.C.-based organization will not appeal the suspension.
“Although we are disappointed with the results, Haas Factory Team will not appeal the penalty NASCAR issued to Sam Mayer and the No. 41 team following last weekend’s race at Martinsville Speedway,” read a Haas Factory Team press release. “We remain focused on finishing the season out strong at Phoenix Raceway and look forward to contending for a race win with Ryan Sieg at the wheel.”
Kyle Sieg will move into the #39 for Phoenix. The driver of the #28 will be announced tomorrow.
A special thanks to our longtime partner @SciAps_Inc for allowing Ryan to take this opportunity. https://t.co/AYAwOdyShH
— RSS Racing (@RSSRacing__) October 28, 2025
2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Drivers’ Championship Odds
Here is a look at the drivers’ odds to capture the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers’ championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Driver | 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Drivers’ Championship Odds |
|---|---|
| Connor Zilisch | +105 |
| Justin Allgaier | +160 |
| Carson Kvapil | +600 |
| Jesse Love | +650 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
