NASCAR
NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Connor Zilisch Learns From Kyle Larson; Justin Allgaier Earns Top Drivers’ Title Odds
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.
Get to know Jeff Hawkins betterPublished06 May 2025
Injured and unable to compete in last Saturday’s circuit event, rookie Connor Zilisch probably felt like he was a student, learning from the teacher. The 2021 Cup champion executed a patient race to earn the trip to Victory Lane at Texas Motor Speedway.
Zilisch injured his back in a last-lap crash at Talladega Superspeedway. The 18-year-old JR Motorsports prospect posted on social media: “Proud of my team and @KyleLarsonRacin. My turn next.”
Zilisch likely will return for the idle Xfinity Series’ next race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24.
“Yeah, I feel okay,” he told Fox Sports. “You know, a lot of what I’m doing is not up to me.
“I listen to all the doctors around me and the people around me that have a lot more, not only racing experience, but life experience. I’ve got a lot ahead of me, and to rush back into something after a crash like that would be silly.
“So, yeah, we’re just taking our time with the recovery process, taking it one day at a time, and you know, I’m feeling better every day. Thankful for everyone who’s been there for me and been willing to give me unbiased answers throughout the process.”
.@KyleLarsonRacin stepped up big time today for the No. 88 team! pic.twitter.com/w6F8AfGJVB
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 3, 2025
Sheldon Creed Goes On Texas-Sized Rant
Sheldon Creed has crashed out in three of his past four circuit outings. At Texas, the No. 00 Ford pilot was taken out by 19-year-old Corey Day, a Hendrick Motorsports prospect who made his series debut.
Creed screamed into his team radio: “I’m tired of this shit. F*** yeah! F*** yes! I’m so tired of inexperience taking us out of this s***.”
Creed remains winless in 115 Xfinity starts, despite 58 top-10 finishes.
The 2, 17, & 00 have a meeting on the backstretch while in the #XfinitySeries top 10. pic.twitter.com/XpPD8gDdeH
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) May 3, 2025
2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Drivers’ Championship Odds
Here is a Week 13 look at the odds for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers’ championship, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:
| Driver | NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Odds |
|---|---|
| Justin Allgaier | +240 |
| Austin Hill | +400 |
| Connor Zilisch | +425 |
| Jesse Love | +600 |
| Sam Mayer | +700 |
| Sheldon Creed | +900 |
| Sammy Smith | +1400 |
| Brandon Jones | +1400 |
| Taylor Gray | +2000 |
| Carson Kvapil | +2000 |
| Ryan Sieg | +4000 |
| Nicholas Sanchez | +5000 |
| William Sawalich | +5000 |
| Christian Eckes | +5000 |
| Harrison Burton | +6600 |
| Jeb Burton | +6600 |
| Parker Retzlaff | +12500 |
| Daniel Dye | +12500 |
| Matt DiBenedetto | +12500 |
| Josh Williams | +20000 |
| Jeremy Clements | +20000 |
| Dean Thompson | +20000 |
| Blaine Perkins | +25000 |
| Kyle Sieg | +25000 |
| Leland Honeyman Jr. | +50000 |
| Kris Wright | +50000 |
| Garrett Smithley | +50000 |
| Brennan Poole | +50000 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
