The NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff battles are intensifying as the regular season nears its end, with just two races remaining and several key positions yet to be decided. The field expects significant developments after the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway, set for Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET on CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Close Competition at the Top of the Standings
Justin Allgaier leads the charge for the Regular Season Championship, narrowly ahead by three points over his JR Motorsports teammate Connor Zilisch, who has collected seven wins during this campaign. Zilisch’s recent success has been supported by Parker Kligerman stepping in as a relief driver during the last race at Daytona, which helped him expand his Playoff points total to 36—far ahead of Allgaier’s 24 and with no other competitor exceeding eight points in this category.
Despite the strong performances by Allgaier and Zilisch, the competition isn’t limited to just these two drivers. Sam Mayer, recognized for his expertise on road courses, sits only 26 points behind Allgaier. Mayer’s consistency is evident, matching Allgaier’s 12 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes in 24 starts—even though he has secured just one win this season.
Yeah, it’s great to be consistent and all, but you want to win, because when it comes to the Playoffs, the bonus points you get are the only thing that matters,
—Sam Mayer, driver
Mayer has prior success at Portland International Raceway, having finished third on the venue’s 1.967-mile road course in 2023 and capturing the pole position last year, although he ultimately finished 28th in that race.
We’re going to keep working on that. We have two more shots at it, and I think we’ll be good at both of those races, so it’s just a matter of getting the job done. The ‘W’ is the only thing on the mind right now.
—Sam Mayer, driver
Securing a win remains a priority for Mayer, but he’ll need to outperform Zilisch, who boasts three road course wins this season and five victories in his last six races overall.
Playoff Spots Still Up for Grabs
While drivers at the top are pushing for the championship, those near the bottom are locked in a fierce fight for the final available Playoff positions. Currently, Harrison Burton sits just above the cutoff, maintaining a 36-point edge over his cousin, Jeb Burton, as both look to secure a place in the postseason.
Implications for the Playoff Picture
With two races left before the end of the regular season, each round at venues like Portland International Raceway gains heightened significance for championship hopefuls and playoff contenders alike. The outcomes of these final events will set the stage for the rest of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season, as drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, Sam Mayer, Harrison Burton, and Jeb Burton fight for their shot at postseason glory. Fans and competitors will be watching closely as the field narrows and the drama of the chase intensifies.
