The NASCAR Xfinity Series Portland preview arrives as the series heads to the Pacific Northwest this weekend, bringing together seasoned veterans, young stars, and road course experts at Portland International Raceway for a challenge unlike any other on the schedule. The Pacific Office Automation 147 starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, offering a new test for every driver competing for the regular-season championship and a shot at one of the season’s most exciting road races.
A New Face Will Take the Spotlight in Portland
This year, fans won’t see Shane van Gisbergen return to defend his Xfinity Series victory from last season. Van Gisbergen delivered a masterful drive in 2024, setting a high benchmark for road course racing talent in the series. Without him on track, the door is wide open for a new winner, fueling anticipation and speculation ahead of race day.
Continuing the tradition of strong international competitors, Will Brown of Australia will pilot the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet at Portland. Brown’s reputation for road racing, much like Van Gisbergen’s, adds intrigue to the field and positions him as a serious contender. Fans are eager to see whether Brown’s experience on challenging circuits translates into a strong finish in Oregon.
Road Course Experts Add Depth to the Field
Portland’s entry list includes several standout road course specialists, making the race a showcase of diverse driving backgrounds. Jack Perkins, steering the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Ford, is another name to watch. With decades spent in sports car racing, Hand’s presence on a road course entry list is always cause for attention. His ability to manage the nuances of road racing provides a potential advantage over less seasoned drivers.
Adding to the lineup of road course ringers, Austin Green will take the wheel of the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet. While Green may lack the extensive résumés of Perkins and Hand, his ability to adapt and compete on tracks requiring both left and right turns should not be underestimated when the action unfolds.
Championship Implications Intensify the Competition
The Portland race could dramatically influence the Xfinity Series regular-season championship battle. Throughout the season, drivers have fiercely competed for valuable points, and the complexity of a road course introduces new strategic challenges that can shake up the standings.
Jesse Love, representing Richard Childress Racing in the No. 2 Chevrolet, stands out among the title contenders. At just 20 years old, the Californian has shown remarkable maturity and consistent speed, particularly on technical layouts like Portland. The unique demands of this circuit could allow him to further solidify his reputation as one of the series’ brightest young stars.
Another major player is Justin Allgaier in the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. At 39, Allgaier is fully aware that time is precious as he chases championship glory. Racing for the BRANDT-sponsored team, he demonstrates the determination and urgency of a driver determined to seize every opportunity as the season progresses.
Youthful Enthusiasm Meets Veteran Grit
Portland’s entry list highlights an engaging mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans. Connor Zilisch, at just 19, is driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with boldness that impresses fans and crew chiefs alike. His willingness to take risks could result in memorable moments during the 147-lap contest.
Veterans like Jeremy Clements, behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet, embody the perseverance and passion that characterizes NASCAR. At 40, Clements continues to compete with heart, demonstrating that experience and determination are just as essential as resources in this fiercely competitive series.
Portland International Raceway: A Unique Technical Challenge
Unlike many tracks on the Xfinity Series schedule, Portland International Raceway requires a rare combination of precision, patience, and skill. The 1.97-mile circuit, housing 12 turns that flow seamlessly, rewards smooth driving while penalizing overly aggressive maneuvers. Mastery here isn’t just about outright speed, but about maintaining rhythm, minimizing mistakes, and making calculated moves.
Spectators can expect a blend of tactical racing and intense on-track battles. The surface at Portland offers sufficient grip for side-by-side action, but with subtle variations that prevent drivers from taking unnecessary risks. This delicate balance keeps both fans and competitors fully engaged throughout the event’s 147 laps.
Adding another layer of difficulty, the subtle elevation changes require drivers to constantly adapt. Moving through both uphill and downhill sections while managing traction and visibility tests even the most talented road racers in the field, contributing to the event’s reputation as a true driver’s race.
Portland Race Entry List: Who’s Competing
The official entry list for the Pacific Office Automation 147 brings together a wide array of drivers and teams. Below are the competitors fans can expect to see at Portland International Raceway:
1. Sheldon Creed, No. 00 (Haas Factory Team, Ford)
2. Carson Kvapil, No. 1 (JR Motorsports, Chevrolet)
3. Jesse Love, No. 2 (Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet)
4. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 (Alpha Prime Racing, Chevrolet)
5. Alex Labbe, No. 07 (SS GreenLight Racing, Chevrolet)
6. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 (JR Motorsports, Chevrolet)
7. Sammy Smith, No. 8 (JR Motorsports, Chevrolet)
8. Daniel Dye, No. 10 (Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet)
9. Will Brown, No. 11 (Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet)
10. Garrett Smithley, No. 14 (SS GreenLight Racing, Chevrolet)
11. Christian Eckes, No. 16 (Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet)
12. William Sawalich, No. 18 (Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota)
13. Jack Perkins, No. 19 (Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota)
14. Brandon Jones, No. 20 (Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota)
15. Austin Hill, No. 21 (Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet)
16. TBD, No. 24 (Sam Hunt Racing, Toyota)
17. Harrison Burton, No. 25 (AM Racing, Ford)
18. Dean Thompson, No. 26 (Sam Hunt Racing, Toyota)
19. Jeb Burton, No. 27 (Jordan Anderson Racing, Chevrolet)
20. Joey Hand, No. 28 (RSS Racing, Ford)
21. Blaine Perkins, No. 21 (Jordan Anderson Racing, Chevrolet)
22. Austin Green, No. 32 (Jordan Anderson Racing, Chevrolet)
23. TBD, No. 35 (Joey Gase Motorsports, Chevrolet)
24. Ryan Sieg, No. 39 (RSS Racing, Ford)
25. Sam Mayer, No. 41 (Haas Factory Team, Ford)
26. Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 (Young’s Motorsports, Chevrolet)
27. Brennan Poole, No. 44 (Alpha Prime Racing, Chevrolet)
28. Vicente Salas, No. 45 (Alpha Prime Racing, Chevrolet)
29. Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 (Big Machine Racing, Chevrolet)
30. Jeremy Clements, No. 51 (Jeremy Clements Racing, Chevrolet)
31. TBD, Joey Gase Motorsports, Chevrolet
32. Taylor Gray, No. 54 (Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota)
33. Thomas Annnziata, No. 70 (Cope Family Racing, Chevrolet)
34. Ryan Ellis, No. 71 (DGM Racing X JIM)
35. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 (JR Motorsports, Chevrolet)
36. Josh Williams, No. 91 (DGM Racing X JIM, Chevrolet)
37. Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 (Viking Motorsports, Chevrolet)
The Anticipated Impact of Saturday Night’s Showdown
This weekend’s race at Portland International Raceway epitomizes the diverse competition and high drama that define the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With established drivers seeking championship points, newcomers aiming for breakout performances, and a technical circuit that levels the playing field, all eyes will be watching to see who emerges on top.
Fans can expect an exciting contest featuring names like Jesse Love, Justin Allgaier, Will Brown, Jack Perkins, Joey Hand, Connor Zilisch, Jeremy Clements, and many more—each representing different backgrounds, teams, and aspirations. As the championship picture grows more intense, this event could play a pivotal role in shaping the rest of the Xfinity Series season.
