Xfinity Stars Set to Battle for the Pole at EchoPark Speedway

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) this weekend for the Focused Health 250—the second and final visit of 2025 to the fast 1.54-mile quad-oval. But before the field goes green under the Friday night lights, drivers will have one chance to lock in their starting position.

Qualifying for the Xfinity Series event begins Friday at 3 p.m. ET, streaming live on The CW App, with the main event following at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW and PRN Radio. The session features a straightforward one-lap, one-round format—meaning there’s no room for error.

Before engines fire, let’s break down the format, the top drivers to watch, and the full qualifying order for this pivotal midseason race.

Key Highlights:

• One-lap qualifying format: All 38 drivers get a single timed lap to set their place.

• Qualifying airs Friday, June 27 at 3 p.m. ET on The CW App.

• Race follows at 7:30 p.m. ET, televised on The CW.

• Metric-based qualifying order determined by prior race finish (70%) + owner points (30%).

• Rookies like Carson Kvapil, William Sawalich, and Connor Zilisch will be drivers to watch.

Qualifying Format: Pressure on the Clock

The format for Xfinity qualifying at EchoPark is designed to be both fair and thrilling. Each of the 38 drivers will make one solo lap in the first round, with the top 10 advancing to a final round where the pole winner will be decided. This condensed layout means track conditions and execution matter more than ever.

The qualifying order itself was set using NASCAR’s standard performance metric, which weighs 70% of the team’s previous finish and 30% of its current points position. This helps shuffle the field and sometimes places faster cars near the back in qualifying order—introducing variables like track evolution and changing weather conditions.

Fast Names, Rising Rookies, and Underdog Watch

Connor Zilisch, one of the sport’s hottest rising talents, will take the final qualifying run—often a strategic advantage. His No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet will be one to watch, especially with Mardy Lindley returning atop the pit box after a one-race suspension. The 17-year-old is coming off a huge win at Pocono, and momentum is fully in his corner.

Jesse Love, another phenom, will go just before Zilisch. His average qualifying position this year is among the best, and with five poles already to his name in 2024, he’s a serious threat again.

Veteran Justin Allgaier starts toward the end of the session and could thrive under pressure. Meanwhile, Christian Eckes and Carson Kvapil, both rookies, add intrigue to the final ten drivers. Eckes is better known for his Truck Series success, but this weekend could show just how versatile he is.

Also in the mix:

• Sam Mayer (6.1 metric) — a steady performer looking for his first pole of 2025

• Daniel Dye — a rookie with road course skills now applying his craft on ovals

• Aric Almirola — driving Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car as a one-off, always a sleeper for pole

At the other end of the spectrum, Katherine Legge will be first to take the track. She leads a group of lesser-funded or part-time entries, where simply making a clean lap is the goal.

Complete NASCAR Xfinity Qualifying Order at EchoPark Speedway

News in Brief: NASCAR Atlanta Xfinity qualifying Order

With the Focused Health 250 looming, every lap will matter—starting with the very first ones in qualifying. The blend of seasoned veterans, Cup regulars, and fearless rookies promises an unpredictable Friday afternoon session.

As NASCAR’s future stars like Zilisch, Kvapil, and Sawalich line up against proven winners like Allgaier and Mayer, fans can expect a fierce fight for every spot on the grid.

ALSO READ: NASCAR 2025 Xfinity Race Focused Health 250 Detailed Highlights