Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity Series odds are at the top as the postseason gets underway, with the driver heading into Friday’s playoff opener at Bristol Motor Speedway as the favorite. After a commanding regular season, Zilisch sits atop bookmakers’ lists, while Justin Allgaier remains determined to defend his 2024 title.
Zilisch Tops Betting Charts Following Strong Regular Season
Connor Zilisch, representing JR Motorsports, finished the regular season with an impressive streak, notching four consecutive wins and leading the championship chase with a total of nine victories. As a result, Zilisch secures +100 odds at BetOnline Sportsbook to claim his first series championship, highlighting a season marked by consistency and strong finishes. The strength of his No. 88 Chevrolet team has proven pivotal, especially as he closed out the regular schedule on a high note.
His teammate, Justin Allgaier, took the regular season runner-up spot after a promising campaign, including three trips to Victory Lane. Despite not capturing a win since June at Nashville, Allgaier remains optimistic as he prepares for a return run at the championship. Entering his tenth straight postseason appearance, Allgaier is given the second-best odds (+230) to win this year’s title, according to BetOnline Sportsbook.
Allgaier Looks to Bounce Back and Match Rare Feat
Allgaier seeks to emulate Tyler Reddick, the last driver to win consecutive Xfinity championships in 2018 and 2019. Last season’s champion is approaching the playoffs with a sense of composure, reflecting on both team speed and the challenges faced in recent months.
“I think for us it’s just a matter of executing, we’ve had the speed,”
—Justin Allgaier, defending champion. Allgaier remains realistic about past setbacks, noting moments when the No. 7 team was in contention but was derailed by various mishaps.
“I could look back at the last couple of months and say, ‘coulda … woulda … shoulda,’ but we had the car to beat, we just got caught up in someone else’s mess or made mistakes on our own.”
—Justin Allgaier, defending champion.
As pressures mount with the playoffs’ arrival, Allgaier suggests his experience as the reigning series champ may relieve some tension. Yet, he cautions that past achievements might not offer a clear advantage.
“I honestly don’t know that it gives me any advantage.”
—Justin Allgaier, defending champion. Reflecting further, Allgaier praised the work of Zilisch’s crew, underscoring the organization’s competitive edge.
“One thing I love is they’ve had success,”
—Justin Allgaier, defending champion. He remains hopeful that JR Motorsports can maintain their winning form as the playoffs commence.
“As a company, we’re still winning. I’m hoping once these playoffs start, we can do a better job.”
—Justin Allgaier, defending champion.
Setting the Stage for the Championship Race
As the series transitions from regular season battles to high-stakes playoff races, the focus sharpens on both Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier. Bristol Motor Speedway serves as the first test in the postseason, with Zilisch’s momentum and Allgaier’s experience generating anticipation among fans and bettors.
With BetOnline Sportsbook highlighting Zilisch as the favorite, the opening playoff rounds will be critical for establishing who will advance as a frontrunner for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. This year’s dynamic between JR Motorsports teammates offers a compelling narrative as the season enters its decisive phase, signaling an intense fight for supremacy in the coming weeks.
