Sam Mayer wins 2025 Xfinity Iowa after a determined late-race surge at Iowa Speedway, marking his second consecutive victory at the track and delivering Haas Factory Team their first win since becoming the rebranded Haas Factory Team. Mayer clinched the win on Saturday night, with a crucial move on the final restart and a timely caution sealing his lead as the checkered flag fell.
Mayer’s Late Push Delivers Milestone Victory
Charging to the front during the closing stages at Iowa Speedway, Mayer found success with a decisive jump on the restart at Lap 234. This performance not only signaled his first triumph of the 2025 season but also continued his dominance at the 0.875-mile circuit. The victory carried added significance, as it was Haas Factory Team’s first since transitioning from Stewart-Haas Racing and Ford’s inaugural win of the current season.
Key Moments and Final Results
The final lap saw Garrett Smithley spin and trigger the ninth and final caution of the day, freezing the field after Mayer had already taken the white flag. Jesse Love settled for second, chased by Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch, and Harrison Burton, rounding out the top five. Carson Hocevar, stepping into the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet after Josh Williams’ exit, claimed sixth. The top ten featured Sheldon Creed, Ryan Sieg, Carson Kvapil, and Christian Eckes.
Notable Incidents and Standings Impacts
An intense battle at Lap 213 resulted in three JR Motorsports Chevrolets coming together as they exited Turn 1. Rookie Connor Zilisch, entering the event with three straight victories, found himself on the inside in a three-abreast scenario with veteran teammates Ross Chastain and Justin Allgaier. The contact sent Zilisch sliding into Chastain, who then clipped Allgaier, spinning him through Turn 2. Allgaier’s points lead over Zilisch heading in was 21, but both drivers now unofficially share the lead in the Xfinity Series standings following the incident.
Elsewhere, Austin Dillon substituted for the suspended Austin Hill in the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Dillon qualified sixth but encountered early trouble when Ryan Sieg lost control in Turn 1 on Lap 2, causing both cars to spin. Dillon backed into the Turn 2 SAFER barrier and ultimately crossed the line in fourteenth position.
Significance for Teams and Drivers
This win at Iowa not only reinforces Sam Mayer’s prowess on shorter tracks but also gives the Haas Factory Team a promising start after their recent rebrand, while delivering crucial first 2025 victories for both the team and Ford. As the season progresses, the points battle between Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch intensifies, promising a closely-fought contest in the races ahead. The performance of drivers like Carson Hocevar and Ryan Sieg, along with the incidents involving Sheldon Creed and Garrett Smithley, further shapes the evolving landscape of the Xfinity Series field.
