The NASCAR Xfinity Series arrives at Watkins Glen International for its lone annual visit, bringing with it the intensity of late-summer racing. This weekend marks the 23rd race of the 2025 season, and before the green flag waves for the Mission 200 at The Glen, drivers will fight for their place on the grid. The qualifying format is straightforward, with no second round this year, meaning one fast lap could decide everything for Saturday’s starting order.
Key Highlights
Watkins Glen hosts its only NASCAR Xfinity Series race of 2025.
Qualifying format features one timed round per group, no final round.
Groups A and B set by NASCAR’s metric system.
Connor Zilisch won the 2024 Watkins Glen pole, his only that year.
Fastest lap in each group determines full starting order.
One Chance to Qualify at The Glen
Qualifying for the Mission 200 at The Glen will be split into two groups. Each group will get a set amount of track time, with every driver’s best lap counting toward the final lineup. Unlike in 2024, there will be no second round, adding urgency to every lap. Connor Zilisch knows the value of a strong run at Watkins Glen, having claimed the pole here last year for his only top qualifying spot of the season. With only one attempt to set the pace, the margin for error will be slim.
Group A and Group B Lineups Set
NASCAR has determined the qualifying order using its metric system, placing drivers into Groups A and B. Group A features Kaz Grala leading the order, joined by names such as Austin Green, Stefan Parsons, Daniel Dye, and Anthony Alfredo. Group B will be led by Brandon Jones, with competitors including Justin Allgaier, Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch, and Sam Mayer. Every driver will be aiming to put together a clean, fast lap to secure the best possible starting position for Saturday’s main event.
Full Qualifying Order for Watkins Glen
Group A
| Car No. | Driver |
|---|---|
| 24 | Kaz Grala |
| 32 | Austin Green |
| 45 | Stefan Parsons |
| 35 | Glen Reen |
| 14 | Garrett Smithley |
| 70 | Thomas Annunziata |
| 99 | Matt DiBenedetto |
| 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 07 | Preston Pardus |
| 53 | Austin J. Hill |
| 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 91 | Josh Bilicki |
| 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 44 | Brennan Poole |
Group B
| Car No. | Driver |
|---|---|
| 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 18 | William Sawalich |
| 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 19 | Riley Herbst |
| 21 | Austin Hill |
| 9 | Shane van Gisbergen |
| 11 | Michael McDowell |
| 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 2 | Jesse Love |
| 41 | Sam Mayer |
News in Brief: Qualifying Order for the 2025 Xfinity Mission 200
The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Watkins Glen International for its 23rd race of 2025, the only stop at the track this season. Qualifying will feature one round for each of two groups, with the fastest laps setting the grid for Saturday’s Mission 200. Connor Zilisch earned last year’s pole in his only top qualifying run of the season. Groups A and B were set by NASCAR’s metric system, featuring a mix of veterans and rising talents. Watch qualifying to see who claims the prime starting spot for race day. Tune in for qualifying and the race action.
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