The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to the challenging 2.5-mile tri-oval of Pocono Raceway this weekend for the 16th race of the 2025 season—the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250. With the green flag scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 21, fans can expect 100 laps of strategy, speed, and potential playoff-shaking drama. Practice begins Saturday morning at 10 a.m., followed by qualifying at 11:05 a.m., airing live on CW.
As NASCAR’s only triangle-shaped oval, Pocono’s layout—with its wide straights and distinct corners—demands precision. The qualifying session will set the grid for 38 competitors, with drivers split into two groups. Group A kicks off with Mike Harmon Racing’s Dawson Cram, while Joe Gibbs Racing’s Brandon Jones leads Group B. Each group will battle for track position in a format that combines outright speed with a metric-based draw order.
Key Highlights: What Fans Should Know Before Qualifying
Chase Elliott returns to Xfinity, driving for Hendrick Motorsports in a one-off appearance at Pocono.
Dawson Cram and Brandon Jones will lead Groups A and B during Saturday’s qualifying session.
Austin Hill’s late run in Group B could give him the cleanest air and pole advantage.
Pocono’s 2.5-mile tri-oval requires balancing speed, braking precision, and strategic drafting.
The qualifying draw uses a metric-based order, mixing performance data and team owner points.
Group A: Underdogs Lead the Way in Early Qualifying Session
Group A will be the first to hit the track, and its lineup reflects a mix of veterans, rising talents, and drivers looking to break out. Leading the charge is Dawson Cram, whose top metric score of 42.200 puts him first on the track. He’ll be followed by Carson Ware, Logan Bearden, and surprisingly—Chase Elliott.
Elliott’s presence in Group A is a storyline to watch. Though he’s only making a one-off Xfinity appearance, his Cup Series experience could give him an edge in Pocono’s high-speed, high-brake zones. Also of note is Parker Retzlaff, who’s quietly been improving each week in the No. 31 machine for Jordan Anderson Racing.
| Driver | Metric Score |
| Dawson Cram | 42.2 |
| Carson Ware | 37.9 |
| Logan Bearden | 33.9 |
| Chase Elliott | 33.2 |
| Brennan Poole | 32.9 |
| Parker Retzlaff | 32.3 |
| Jeremy Clements | 31.8 |
| Ryan Ellis | 31.1 |
| Josh Bilicki | 30.3 |
| Kyle Sieg | 28.6 |
| Mason Massey | 28.4 |
| Garrett Smithley | 27.3 |
| Blaine Perkins | 27.3 |
| Nick Sanchez | 26.5 |
| Leland Honeyman Jr | 25 |
| Ryan Sieg | 24.5 |
| Justin Allgaier | 24.1 |
| Kris Wright | 21.8 |
| Anthony Alfredo | 21.6 |
While Group A might lack heavyweights like Austin Hill or Sam Mayer, the pressure is on. With Pocono’s long straights rewarding clean air and good starting position, drivers like Brennan Poole, Ryan Ellis, and Jeremy Clements have a chance to shock with an early-session flyer.
Group B: Championship Contenders and Young Guns Bring Firepower
Group B may hit the track later, but it’s stacked with more established contenders. Brandon Jones, with a metric score of 20.500, leads the way. But the real fireworks could come from the likes of Austin Hill, Sam Mayer, and Jesse Love—all of whom sit firmly in the playoff picture.
RCR’s Austin Hill, who rolls out last, has the best shot at a clean track and top qualifying speed. His recent performances on superspeedways and intermediates have kept him in the title hunt. Meanwhile, Carson Kvapil and Daniel Dye, both rookies with high expectations, could deliver a breakout lap.
| Driver | Metric Score |
| Brandon Jones | 20.5 |
| Josh Williams | 20 |
| Matt DiBenedetto | 18.7 |
| Patrick Emerling | 18.6 |
| Sam Mayer | 17 |
| Carson Kvapil | 16 |
| Daniel Dye | 14.2 |
| Jesse Love | 14.1 |
| Dean Thompson | 13.8 |
| Justin Bonsignore | 12.2 |
| William Sawalich | 11.4 |
| Harrison Burton | 9.9 |
| Sheldon Creed | 9.8 |
| Jeb Burton | 8.9 |
| Sammy Smith | 8.8 |
| Christian Eckes | 8.5 |
| Taylor Gray | 5.3 |
| Connor Zilisch | 4.7 |
| Austin Hill | 2.7 |
Sheldon Creed and Jeb Burton will also need strong qualifying efforts to avoid mid-pack traffic. With Pocono’s tricky tunnel turn known for chaotic three-wide battles, track position could determine whether a driver survives the opening laps—or not.
What’s at Stake: Momentum, Playoff Points, and Career Breakthroughs
Cole Custer may be the defending winner at Pocono, but his absence opens the door for a new face in Victory Lane. The 2025 season has already seen a youth movement surge forward. With emerging names like Connor Zilisch, Carson Kvapil, and Taylor Gray growing stronger each week, Saturday could serve as a launchpad.
Additionally, with only eight races remaining in the regular season after Pocono, every point matters. While qualifying doesn’t directly award points, a strong grid position can lead to early stage points—crucial for those battling on the playoff bubble.
Expect teams to focus not only on raw speed but also managing tire wear. Pocono’s surface and layout make it one of the most unique tracks on the schedule, where drivers can shift gears, brake hard, and draft all in the same lap.
News In Brief: Full Xfinity Pocono Qualifying Order
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series arrives at Pocono Raceway for the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Qualifying will determine more than just starting positions—it could define race strategy, stage results, and even momentum into the playoffs.
With experienced Cup drivers, hungry Xfinity regulars, and promising rookies all converging on one of NASCAR’s most unique ovals, fans should expect an exciting battle on Saturday morning. Whether it’s Chase Elliott showing the way or a surprise breakout from Group A, qualifying will set the tone for a high-speed chess match in the Pocono triangle.
Fans can tune in to live qualifying at 11:05 a.m. ET on CW, followed by the green flag for the 100-lap main event at 3:30 p.m. ET. Buckle up—Pocono is always full of surprises.
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