Connor Zilisch claimed the pole in a thrilling session at Watkins Glen International, as the NASCAR Xfinity Watkins Glen qualifying results determined the full starting lineup for the 2025 event. The qualifying rounds, hosted in Watkins Glen, New York, set the stage for today’s race with intense competition and strong lap times from a deep field of drivers.
Dynamic Qualifying Session Sets the Grid
Drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series arrived at the historic road course ready for both practice and qualifying, with excitement high as each lap shaped the starting order. Fans were treated to a dramatic display of skill as the top contenders jockeyed for crucial positions on the grid. Watkins Glen International proved its reputation as a technical challenge, making every fraction of a second count.
Connor Zilisch Leads a Competitive Lineup
Connor Zilisch topped the qualifying charts in both recorded sessions, posting fastest laps of 70.884 seconds and 71.001 seconds. The consistency he showed under pressure will give him a strong advantage as the race begins. Shane van Gisbergen, Taylor Gray, and Sam Mayer also achieved impressive runs, each within a second of the pole. William Sawalich, who has been a standout through the season, rounded out the top five in the first session.
Other notable drivers who secured strong starting positions include Sammy Smith, Nick Sanchez, Kaz Grala, Justin Allgaier, and Austin Hill. Performances from series regulars such as Sheldon Creed, Michael McDowell, Brandon Jones, and Carson Kvapil further reflect the depth of talent present at Watkins Glen this year.
2025 Watkins Glen Xfinity Series Starting Lineup
The following is an overview of the initial starting grid from the high-stakes qualifying rounds:
1. Connor Zilisch
2. Shane van Gisbergen
3. Taylor Gray
4. Sam Mayer
5. William Sawalich
6. Sammy Smith
7. Nick Sanchez
8. Kaz Grala
9. Justin Allgaier
10. Austin Hill
11. Sheldon Creed
12. Michael McDowell
13. Brandon Jones
14. Carson Kvapil
15. Jesse Love
16. Riley Herbst
17. Harrison Burton
18. Austin Green
19. Dean Thompson
20. Anthony Alfredo
21. Daniel Dye
22. Parker Retzlaff
23. Jeb Burton
24. Matt DiBenedetto
25. Thomas Annunziata
26. Stefan Parsons
27. Josh Bilicki
28. Kyle Sieg
29. Ryan Sieg
30. Jeremy Clements
31. Brennan Poole
32. Blaine Perkins
33. Ryan Ellis
34. Preston Pardus
35. Glen Reen
36. Christian Eckes (No Time)
37. Garrett Smithley (No Time)
38. Austin J Hill (No Time)
Returning Favorites and New Challengers
The qualifying rounds showcased a blend of veteran racers and new faces eager to make their mark. Drivers like Ryan Ellis, Dean Thompson, Carson Kvapil, and Brennan Poole continued to demonstrate consistency. Notable presences from Nick Sanchez, Stefan Parsons, and Blaine Perkins added to the field’s depth. Meanwhile, Christian Eckes, Garrett Smithley, and Austin J Hill fell short of posting qualifying times but remain potential wildcards once the green flag drops.
The Road Ahead at Watkins Glen
With qualifying now setting the order, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International promises high drama and competitive racing. Connor Zilisch’s pole position could give him an early advantage, but with contenders like Shane van Gisbergen, Taylor Gray, and William Sawalich close behind, an intense battle for the lead is expected. The lineup reflects the large pool of talent racing in New York, drawing attention from fans and competitors alike. The coming race will test each driver‘s precision and endurance, as they vie for victory on one of the most celebrated tracks in the NASCAR calendar.
