The Xfinity Series Playoff Field Gateway Race will determine the final contenders for the 2025 postseason as drivers compete at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, on Saturday night. With three Playoff openings up for grabs and the race marking the series’ return to Gateway after fifteen years, the outcome will set the stage for the rest of the season.
Critical Showdown for Playoff Berths at Gateway Track
Drivers in the Xfinity Series face a pivotal challenge at the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway, as Saturday’s Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog (7:30 p.m., CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will finalize the roster for the Playoffs. The current Playoff field is yet to be set, with only three spots still left open. The race marks the first time the Xfinity Series has competed at Gateway since 2010.
If Saturday’s victor is a repeat winner or a driver who is ineligible to move forward in the Playoffs, Sheldon Creed and Taylor Gray will secure their places in the postseason via points. This development would place the focus squarely on cousins Harrison Burton and Jeb Burton, as they would fight for the last available Playoff slot. At present, Harrison Burton carries a 31-point lead over Jeb Burton and needs 27 points in the Gateway race to prevent his cousin from advancing.
Experience and Determination Impact the Hunt for the Playoffs
Harrison Burton enters Gateway with notable experience, having started three Cup Series races at this venue and achieving a best finish of 23rd in 2023. Reflecting on his previous experiences, he explained:
“I’ve been fortunate to get a few Cup starts at the track, and while the results don’t necessarily show everything we had, I learned a lot about the rhythm of the place and how important track position and execution are over a long run,”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
He remains focused on the essential performance needed from his team, stating:
“That experience should definitely help as we go back with our AM Racing team. We know how critical this race is for our Playoff hopes, and I believe if we can put together a smart, solid night, we’ll be in good shape to accomplish our goal.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
Regular Season Championship Still in Play
Beyond the fight for individual Playoff berths, the overall regular season points championship will not be decided until the final lap at Gateway. Connor Zilisch, who has dominated the circuit with six wins in the last seven events, heads into the finale just 20 points ahead of fellow JR Motorsports teammate and defending champion Justin Allgaier. Although Allgaier has not yet clinched the title, he remains in close contention and is looking to maximize his performance at Gateway.
Sam Mayer from Haas Factory Team, while 50 points distant from the top spot, is mathematically in the running, but his shot depends on both Zilisch and Allgaier encountering major issues during the race. The competitive energy is further amplified as there is no former Gateway Xfinity winner in this year’s lineup. Notably, Allgaier, a native of Riverton, Illinois, had set the pole for the most recent Xfinity event at this track in 2010, a race ultimately won by Brad Keselowski.
Allgaier described his focus ahead of the regular season finale:
“Hopefully we can go out and have a great day, run up front and gain points on our teammate to get this Regular Season Championship,”
—Justin Allgaier, Defending Series Champion
“Either way, our goal remains the same, and that is to win the race.”
—Justin Allgaier, Defending Series Champion
Momentum and Records Drive Zilisch’s Approach
Connor Zilisch, advocating for a remarkable fourth consecutive win for the second time this season, looks to join an elite group. Only Sam Ard in 1983 and Noah Gragson in 2022 have previously managed to capture four straight Xfinity victories. Zilisch’s current run includes 13 top-five finishes since his return from an injury at Talladega, along with seven wins.
Zilisch shared his anticipation for the weekend and the unique task at hand for his team:
“I’m looking forward to going to World Wide for the first time this weekend,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“Since our win at Portland (last Saturday), that left World Wide as the only track on the current schedule that JRM has not won at, so I’m hoping we can keep the momentum going and cross that off, too. It’s been fun to win a lot of races lately, but we still have to go out and execute and do our job every week.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
High Stakes and the Road Ahead
With the Playoff spots and the regular season championship both hinging on the outcome at Gateway, drivers such as Jeb Burton, Taylor Gray, Sheldon Creed, and Harrison Burton will need to deliver their best efforts under mounting pressure. Teams including JR Motorsports, Haas Factory Team, AM Racing, and Alpha Prime Racing face heightened expectations as the field narrows and the postseason looms large. Fans will be following the results closely, as the Gateway event promises to shape the trajectory for not just the Playoff-bound competitors but also those fighting to leave their mark on the 2025 season.
