Sam Mayer Xfinity Championship pursuit 2025 heats up this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, where Sam Mayer is determined to pull off an improbable NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season title. The 23-year-old driver from Franklin, Wisconsin, enters the race trailing points leader Connor Zilisch by 50 points, making his quest both ambitious and fiercely energized as the season reaches a critical juncture.
Mayer Faces Tough Odds Amongst Powerhouse Rivals
This season has been overwhelmingly dominated by Connor Zilisch, defending champion Justin Allgaier, and the Chevrolet teams of JR Motorsports. Despite this, Haas Factory Team driver Sam Mayer, piloting the No. 41 Audibel Ford, remains the only non-Chevrolet contender consistently challenging the frontrunners on a weekly basis. After 25 races, Mayer holds third place in the standings, his most consistent year yet in Xfinity competition, and maintains a fighting spirit that sets him apart in a field often ruled by Chevrolet’s dominance.
Chasing Perfection Amid High Stakes at World Wide Technology Raceway
Mayer’s challenge, however, is daunting. For him to overtake Zilisch and Allgaier, significant misfortune would have to befall his two chief rivals during the pivotal weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. The stakes are enormous, and Mayer admits the odds require everything to align in his favor, including flawless performance from his team and unexpected setbacks for his competitors.
“Truthfully, we expected to have a lot of growing pains with a new team and a new manufacture for myself going into the season,”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Despite moving to a new team and switching manufacturers for 2025, Mayer’s performance has defied expectations.
“Gateway (WWTR) is a wild place. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of experience here in the past. Hopefully, that can help us get into Victory Lane.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Mayer Leads the Way in Practice as Haas Announces Future Chevrolet Move
Kicking off the weekend, Mayer sent a strong message by topping the speed charts in Friday’s practice session, clocking a lap at 134.831 mph. This impressive showing occurred just hours after Haas Factory Team announced its forthcoming return to Chevrolet for the 2026 season, a move that brings Mayer’s current tenure with Ford closer to a dramatic finale.
“It’s been an interesting week for sure navigating everything,”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
The announcement signals the end of an era for Mayer, who previously raced with Chevrolet at JR Motorsports and now looks to finish his final Ford season on a high note before rejoining Chevrolet next year.
Reflections on Partnership and Driving Success with Ford
Mayer, reflecting on his time with Ford, highlighted the productive and rewarding nature of the team’s collaboration.
“The people in the Ford family have been an awesome bunch to get a long with. We’ve gotten race wins. We’ve gotten stage wins and poles with them. We’ve had a lot of success. And we’re still chasing so much more.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Under Ford and the Haas Factory Team, Mayer has trimmed three positions off his average qualifying from last year and improved his usual finishing position by nearly nine spots, underlining his exceptional adaptability and competitive edge in the 2025 campaign.
Consistency and Momentum Drive Mayer Toward the Playoffs
While Zilisch has set the pace with eight victories this season, Mayer carved his own path to the winner’s circle, securing a win at Iowa Speedway and maintaining an impressive average finish of 5.2 over his last five starts. Mayer’s consistency in the highly competitive Xfinity field speaks to both his raw talent and the collaborative strength of his crew.
“Getting ready for the Playoffs to start at Bristol next week,”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Mayer’s optimism for the postseason is fueled by his crew at Haas Factory and Ford Racing, as they aim to deliver a compelling playoff run.
“To go and get a championship with Ford and everyone over there will be really cool. We definitely have our work cut out for us, but I’m really excited to see the road ahead of us to the championship run with Ford–and then next year with Chevrolet.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
What’s at Stake in Mayer’s Xfinity Championship Drive
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepares for its most crucial stages, Sam Mayer’s ambition and resilience stand out against a backdrop of change and uncertainty. With the playoffs looming at Bristol Motor Speedway, Mayer’s performance this weekend will not only decide his regular-season finish but also set the tone for his last postseason with Ford before Haas Factory transitions to Chevrolet. The energy and determination of Mayer’s championship pursuit promise an intense conclusion to the season, with fans and competitors alike watching to see whether his efforts can spark a dramatic upset and secure his long-sought Xfinity title just as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
