The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Daytona International Speedway for the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola on Friday, August 22, with drivers jockeying for critical playoff spots as the regular season winds down. The NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona news is further highlighted by questions around points leader Connor Zilisch, who recently underwent collarbone surgery, casting doubt on his immediate racing status.
Race Details and Key Information
This year’s event at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway marks the 68th running of a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the venue. The Wawa 250 covers 250 miles, divided into three stages: the first ending at lap 30, the second at lap 60, and the final at lap 100. The green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. ET, with race coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET on CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90). The winner will take home a share of a $1.65 million purse.
Regular Season Winding Down and Playoff Picture
Only three races remain in the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season—Daytona, Portland, and St. Louis (Gateway)—and just four playoff positions are still up for grabs. Connor Zilisch currently leads the series driver standings by seven points, edging his JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier, who held the lead for 17 races until Zilisch overtook him following the race in Iowa.
Zilisch’s hold on the top spot is now complicated by recent surgery on his collarbone, which he announced via social media after his procedure on Tuesday, August 12. No information has been released by JR Motorsports about whether Zilisch will need to miss any races as a result of his surgery, adding uncertainty to the championship battle.
Other notable developments involve Harrison Burton, who gained 13 points to move to 12th in the standings after a 10th-place finish at Watkins Glen, now sitting 30 points above the playoff cutoff. Meanwhile, Jeb Burton dropped to 13th and is 30 points below the cutoff after finishing 16th at Watkins Glen.
Daytona History and Top Contenders
Daytona International Speedway has a deep history in the Xfinity Series, with Jesse Love winning its most recent event in February, marking his second career win on a drafting track, following a previous victory at Talladega in 2024. Among active competitors, Austin Hill leads with three Daytona wins, while NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds the all-time record with six wins at the track.
Richard Childress Racing has established itself as a drafting track powerhouse, claiming victory at three of the four drafting track races this season—Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. In total, the team has nine wins out of the last 15 races at drafting tracks since early 2023.
Postseason Standings and Driver Scenarios
Following the recent race at Watkins Glen, eight drivers have officially secured their spots in the 12-driver postseason lineup: Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, Austin Hill, Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, and Nicholas Sanchez. Several other notable drivers remain in the hunt and can clinch a playoff spot by winning at Daytona, including Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Taylor Gray, Harrison Burton, Jeb Burton, Ryan Sieg, Christian Eckes, Dean Thompson, Daniel Dye, Brennan Poole, Jeremy Clements, William Sawalich, Anthony Alfredo, Matt DiBenedetto, Parker Retzlaff, Kyle Sieg, Blaine Perkins, and Ryan Ellis.
What Lies Ahead for the Xfinity Series
The upcoming Daytona race represents a critical opportunity for drivers on the playoff bubble and established contenders alike. With lingering uncertainty around Connor Zilisch’s post-surgery status and only a few races left before the postseason cutoff, every position at Daytona International Speedway becomes even more meaningful. The outcome will not only impact individual drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love, and Austin Hill, but will also play a significant role in shaping the final playoff field for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship.
