The NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona lineup has been established without the usual qualifying rounds, after a lightning delay forced officials to cancel the scheduled session at Daytona International Speedway on August 22, 2025. Instead, the starting positions were determined by the official series rule book metrics, setting the tone for tonight’s race under unique circumstances.
Lightning in the Daytona area prompted safety measures this afternoon, which resulted in qualifying not taking place as planned. According to NASCAR procedures, the lineup fell back to the series’ rule-based metric formula, combining elements such as previous race results and owner points standings. This adjustment introduces a new dynamic for both drivers and teams ahead of the event.
Connor Zilisch Claims the Pole Position
Connor Zilisch secured the coveted pole position based on his highest metric score, a perfect 1.000, giving him a front-row advantage for the upcoming race. Sam Mayer, also among the season’s top performers, lines up beside Zilisch, rounding out the front row. Zilisch’s rapid return to Daytona comes just two weeks after celebrating in victory lane, further highlighting his strong momentum in the series.
Complete Starting Order for the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona
The full NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona lineup is as follows:
1. Connor Zilisch (1.000)
2. Sam Mayer (2.300)
3. Sammy Smith (4.200)
4. Austin Hill (4.300)
5. Justin Allgaier (4.800)
6. Carson Kvapil (5.300)
7. Brandon Jones (8.700)
8. Harrison Burton (10.300)
9. Christian Eckes (10.400)
10. Jesse Love (11.000)
11. Dean Thompson (14.200)
12. Brennan Poole (14.400)
13. Jeb Burton (15.400)
14. Taylor Gray (15.600)
15. Rajah Caruth (15.700)
16. Jeremy Clements (17.100)
17. Daniel Dye (17.300)
18. Nick Sanchez (20.700)
19. Parker Retzlaff (23.200)
20. Josh Williams (23.500)
21. Justin Haley (23.800)
22. Ryan Sieg (24.100)
23. Blaine Perkins (24.500)
24. William Sawalich (25.100)
25. Joey Gase (25.100)
26. Mason Maggio (26.700)
27. Sheldon Creed (27.200)
28. Josh Bilicki (28.500)
29. Aric Almirola (28.800)
30. Kyle Sieg (29.100)
31. Ryan Ellis (29.300)
32. Anthony Alfredo (29.600)
33. Matt DiBendetto (30.600)
34. Patrick Emerling (33.100)
35. Leland Honeyman (35.800)
36. Garrett Smithley (37.100)
37. Caesar Bacarella (40.100)
38. Logan Bearden (41.600)
39. Natalie Decker (42.200)
Points Standings Heading Into the Daytona Race
Ahead of this race, Connor Zilisch leads the series with an impressive six wins, with Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill following closely behind with three victories each. Additional winners this season include Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, and Nick Sanchez. Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Taylor Gray, and Harrison Burton currently hold playoff positions based on points, while drivers such as Jeb Burton and Ryan Sieg are working to stay in contention just below the playoff cutline.
What to Expect Next at Daytona International Speedway
With weather unexpectedly shaping the NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona lineup, teams and drivers now face both opportunity and challenge as the green flag is set to wave tonight at Daytona International Speedway. Fans can anticipate a mix of strategy and skill influencing the race, as top contenders like Connor Zilisch and Sam Mayer aim to capitalize on their front row starts, while others work to advance through the field over the course of this pivotal event in the NASCAR season.
