The NASCAR Xfinity Series Iowa lineup sees Jesse Love clinching the top starting spot for the much-anticipated August 2025 race, following an impressive qualifying run at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. Drivers are set to compete fiercely on the iconic oval, promising fans an afternoon packed with speed and close competition.
This year’s event brings together a formidable roster, with series regulars and emerging talent all vying for victory. Jesse Love led the field in qualifying with a lap time of 23.642 seconds, earning him the pole and marking him as a favorite for the showdown. Iowa Speedway, a renowned host for high-stakes events, sets the stage for an intense round as drivers prepare for both seasoned rivalries and new challenges.
Overview of Qualifying at Iowa Speedway
The qualifying sessions at Iowa Speedway witnessed intense competition as drivers fought for prime grid positions. Jesse Love’s scorching lap of 23.642 seconds placed him at the front, followed closely by William Sawalich, who clocked in at 23.672 seconds. Veteran racers and new names alike featured prominently, setting the stage for a thrilling race day.
The atmosphere in Newton was charged, with teams and fans eagerly anticipating each driver’s performance. The event also attracted notable drivers such as Carson Hocevar, who secured the third spot with a time of 23.712 seconds, and Connor Zilisch, qualifying fourth at 23.768 seconds. The tension and excitement from the practice and qualifying rounds underline how much is on the line as the green flag approaches.
Complete Starting Lineup and Top Contenders
Below is the full starting grid for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway, highlighting best lap times for each driver. The top ten positions are as follows:
1. Jesse Love – 23.642
2. William Sawalich – 23.672
3. Carson Hocevar – 23.712
4. Connor Zilisch – 23.768
5. Sam Mayer – 23.800
6. Austin Dillon – 23.950
7. Ryan Sieg – 23.983
8. Carson Kvapil – 23.888
9. Sammy Smith – 25.203
10. Ross Chastain – 24.006
The lineup continues with Daniel Dye, Brandon Jones, Matt DiBenedetto, Sheldon Creed, Justin Allgaier, and many more. Several drivers, including Taylor Gray, Dawson Cram, and Tyler Tomassi, did not record official qualifying times but are still set to compete. The diversity in lap times points to numerous potential strategies as the drivers prepare for race day, where names like Kyle Sieg, Parker Retzlaff, Blaine Perkins, and Corey Day will look to make an impact.
Notable Performances and Storylines to Watch
This year’s grid features a strong mix of seasoned drivers and up-and-coming stars. Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain, both with extensive experience in the series, join talented newcomers such as Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, creating intriguing matchups throughout the field. Fans of Sam Mayer, Daniel Dye, and Brandon Jones will be watching closely, as each driver aims to convert strong qualifying efforts into podium finishes.
Other drivers to watch include Justin Bonsignore, Dean Thompson, and Anthony Alfredo, all of whom have shown the ability to move up through the pack under race conditions. Meanwhile, the challenge for those starting deeper in the field, like Joey Gase, Garrett Smithley, and Mason Massey, will be navigating traffic and capitalizing on race day opportunities at Iowa Speedway.
What the Lineup Means for the Iowa Showdown
With Jesse Love leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series Iowa lineup, anticipation is high for a competitive and action-filled event. Iowa Speedway’s reputation for close racing and unexpected turns ensures that each qualifying position could have significant ramifications as the race unfolds. The mixture of proven talent and ambitious newcomers promises dynamic storylines that will energize fans throughout the afternoon in Newton, Iowa.
As the green flag drops, all eyes will be on the front row, but with such a deep and competitive field, the outcome remains uncertain until the final laps. The results at Iowa are likely to shape the momentum of the Xfinity Series season, making this race a must-watch for motorsports enthusiasts and a pivotal point in the year’s championship race.
