JR Motorsports is ready to make history as the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs begin at Bristol Motor Speedway, bringing a lineup of high-achieving drivers and the momentum of a record-setting season. This JR Motorsports NXS Bristol Motor Speedway Preview provides a comprehensive look at the team’s playoff prospects, standout individual performances, and recent achievements as they aim to solidify their legacy at the famed short track.
Kvapil Eyes Redemption and Playoff Advancement
Carson Kvapil enters the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs as the ninth seed, eager to rebound from recent setbacks and build on promising short-track performances. In 2025, Kvapil has tallied 26 starts without a win, but he has secured five top-five finishes, twelve top-tens, led 64 laps, and holds an average finish of 14.3, placing him ninth in the standings. As the Playoffs kick off, Kvapil will make his second career start at Bristol Motor Speedway, hoping to replicate or improve on his notable run there last spring, when he spent most of the race in the top ten before finishing second at “The Last Great Colosseum.”
Kvapil’s overall record at short tracks is impressive for a rookie, with four NXS short-track starts resulting in two top-fives and three top-tens, including that runner-up result at Bristol earlier this season. He knows the importance of maintaining focus as he embarks on the first of three crucial races in the Round of 12. Reflecting on recent competition, Kvapil shared optimism and commitment to his team, sponsors, and fans:
“Last weekend definitely did not go how we planned, but we are putting that behind us and focusing all of our attention to the playoffs. This No. 1 team brought me a fast piece to Bristol in the spring, so I know we will have that same speed when we unload on Friday. Making it to the playoffs is a huge accomplishment, but we plan to keep up the intensity and hopefully finish one spot better than we did last time. I can’t thank Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Clarience Technologies enough for their support this season and I am ready to get them the finish they deserve.”
—Carson Kvapil, Driver
Allgaier Brings Experience and Past Success to Bristol Playoffs
Justin Allgaier arrives at Bristol Motor Speedway for the first playoff round as the second seed in the standings, possessing a comfortable 30-point cushion above the elimination line. Allgaier’s 2025 stat line features 26 starts, three wins, twelve top-five results, fifteen top-tens, an average finish of 13.2, and a total of 723 laps led—showcasing consistency and race-winning ability.
Allgaier’s storied history at Bristol is a major asset for JR Motorsports, with 25 career NXS starts yielding two victories—including his celebrated first series win back in 2010—twelve top-fives, sixteen top-tens, and a staggering 1,183 laps led. He leads all drivers in several statistical categories at Bristol, such as laps led, quality passes, and time spent among the top fifteen in the running order. Bristol remains the track where Allgaier has led the most laps in his Xfinity career, highlighting his mastery of the high-banked circuit.
Heading into the Bristol showdown, Allgaier is prepared for the intensity and opportunity presented by the playoffs, stating his confidence in his team and the challenges ahead:
“I love racing at Bristol. It’s a track that has always seemed to suit my driving style. We’ve always had really strong Chevrolets here and I know this BRANDT Professional Agriculture / Precision Build team will bring another one to the track this Friday night. The playoffs are here and we know what sits right in front of us. We just need to go out and do what we know we are capable of to put us in the best place to advance into the next round. We’re ready to go.”
—Justin Allgaier, Driver
Smith Hopes for Momentum Shift at a Familiar Short Track
For Sammy Smith, Bristol offers a chance to harness past short-track speed as he enters the Round of 12 ranked sixth in the Playoff standings, just four points above the cutline. Smith’s 2025 numbers show 26 starts, one victory, five top-five and thirteen top-ten finishes, 62 laps led, and an average finish of 14.7. This weekend will mark Smith’s fifth start at Bristol in NXS competition, where his best showing—a solid fourth—came in the spring.
Smith has emerged as a consistent short-track contender with five top-fives and nine top-tens in 14 NXS short-track events, averaging a 9.4 finish. He is also a former winner at Bristol, capturing an ARCA Menards Series victory from the pole in 2022 with a dominant performance. Looking to channel that past success, Smith shared gratitude for his sponsors and optimism as the playoffs begin:
“I’m looking forward to going back to Bristol this weekend. We’ve had good runs there in the past and hopefully that will help us get the momentum rolling as we kickstart the playoffs. I’m grateful to have the support of Pilot, TMC and Allstate Peterbilt as we work to get this No. 8 Chevrolet in Victory Lane again and move on in the Playoffs.”
—Sammy Smith, Driver
Zilisch Leads the Field With Historic Rookie Season
Connor Zilisch enters Bristol as the clear top seed in the NXS Playoffs after a breakout rookie campaign. Zilisch’s 2025 record features 25 starts, a remarkable nine victories, fifteen top-fives, seventeen top-tens, 750 laps led, an average finish of 8.5, and a strong lead in the points standings. His 29-point advantage over Allgaier and 59-point buffer above the cutline give him a commanding position heading into the Bristol battle.
This Friday marks Zilisch’s second NXS start at Bristol, where earlier in the season he began the race from second on the grid and completed all 300 laps en route to a twelfth-place finish. Beyond Xfinity competition, Zilisch stood out at Bristol in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series, securing the pole position in each event in 2024, which was his second pole in both series at the half-mile oval.
Zilisch’s recent performance has been extraordinary, including a fourth consecutive win at World Wide Technology Raceway—a streak that places him alongside Sam Ard and Noah Gragson for the most back-to-back wins in a single NXS season. He has claimed victory in seven of the last eight events, contributing to a new rookie record for single-season wins and clinching the 2025 NXS Regular Season championship by 53 points over teammate Allgaier. With a 34-point lead in the owner standings, the No. 88 WeatherTech team is riding a wave of performance and confidence. Zilisch expressed determination and gratitude as the playoffs get underway:
“This No. 88 team has been on a run this year and four wins in a row is a rare feat, but we aren’t going to take any of that for granted going into the playoffs. Mardy (Lindley, crew chief), my whole team and my pit crew continue to execute every week and we don’t plan on turning down the intensity anytime soon. It has been awesome to have the success we have had this season and we plan to unload another fast WeatherTech Chevrolet this Friday.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
JR Motorsports as a Contender at Bristol
Since 2006, JR Motorsports has been a mainstay at Bristol Motor Speedway with 102 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Over those races, the organization has accumulated four wins, 28 top-five outputs, 62 top-ten results, and maintains an average team finish of 12.4 at the 0.533-mile oval. The team’s experience with the unique Bristol layout and changing track conditions is a key advantage as they pursue further playoff victories.
Record-Setting Season Fuels Playoff Ambitions
JR Motorsports arrives at the 2025 NXS Playoffs having surpassed its own single-season record with 16 wins, breaking the previous mark of 15 set in 2022. The team’s historic run is underscored by balanced success across its roster, with rookies and veterans alike making significant contributions. Each driver’s competitive edge has propelled the organization to new heights, both in individual race outcomes and in the collective pursuit of championship hardware.
As the Playoffs begin, JR Motorsports holds a strong presence on the grid, exemplified by Zilisch’s rookie dominance, Allgaier’s veteran expertise, Smith’s tenacity on short tracks, and Kvapil’s resilience in the face of pressure. This unity and drive are reinforced by the entire organization, from the pit crews led by crew chief Mardy Lindley, to foundational support from sponsors such as Bass Pro Shops, Clarience Technologies, Pilot, TMC, Allstate Peterbilt, BRANDT, Precision Build, and WeatherTech.
Fan Engagement and Community Presence
To celebrate their playoff achievements and connect with fans, all four JR Motorsports drivers—Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Connor Zilisch—are scheduled for an autograph session at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Friday, September 12, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time. The event offers supporters the chance to meet the drivers and further energize the atmosphere ahead of Friday night’s pivotal race at Bristol.
What Lies Ahead for JR Motorsports at Bristol
With playoff intensity peaking under the lights at Bristol, JR Motorsports stands poised to deepen its legacy at one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks. Led by experienced drivers, a high-performing rookie, and a history of strong results at Bristol Motor Speedway, the team carries optimism and ambition into the opening round. All eyes will be on how Kvapil, Allgaier, Smith, and Zilisch respond to the challenge, leveraging their season-long momentum for postseason success. As the organization seeks to extend its record-setting campaign, Friday night promises drama, excitement, and a chance for JR Motorsports to shine on one of NASCAR’s grandest stages.
