Connor Zilisch leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff standings and holds the strongest odds for capturing the championship title, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. After a fifth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway, Zilisch remains at the forefront of drivers eyeing the 2025 crown as the series heads toward the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway on September 27.
Zilisch Maintains Momentum Despite Bristol Finish
Even with a rare week off following his standout performance throughout the regular season, Connor Zilisch found himself reflecting on a finish outside the winner’s circle. The teenage rookie, after winning four consecutive races and taking victory in seven of the last eight events, continued his streak by prevailing in Stage 2 at Bristol over rivals Sam Mayer and his JR Motorsports teammate, Justin Allgaier. Zilisch chose to pit for new tires on lap 300, which led to a shuffled field where Aric Almirola ultimately took the win.
Although he did not celebrate in Victory Lane, Zilisch extended his impressive record with a 15th straight top-five result in the Xfinity Series.
Yea, we’re sitting in a pretty good spot,
Zilisch said, via press release. Heading into the championship rounds, Zilisch holds 85 points, topping the playoff leaderboard and attracting -110 title odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. His strong form and consistency suggest he is currently the driver to beat among the series drivers.
The Xfinity Series will resume with Round of 12 competition at Kansas Speedway later this month, where the championship race is expected to intensify.
Sheldon Creed Battles Back, Remains in Contention
Sheldon Creed faced adversity last Friday at Bristol, overcoming a pit-road penalty that initially saw him mired deep in the field. The driver of the No. 00 Ford managed to climb back from 24th position at the end of Stage 1 and finished second, making it his 15th career runner-up result. Creed, who secured the Truck Series championship in 2020, continues to seek his first victory in the Xfinity division.
Creed reflected on his performance by saying,
I stumped us early and then just rallied back all night. To come out with a top-three finish and up on points is all you can ask for in an opening round.
His recent run placed him seventh in the playoff rankings, sitting seven points above the elimination cutoff. Competition remains fierce, with Nicholas Sanchez and Jesse Love only three points behind Taylor Gray, who currently occupies the final advancing spot.
Aric Almirola, who won the Bristol race, was among the notable finishers, further tightening the fight among series drivers as the postseason continues.
Xfinity Series Title Odds Reveal Key Contenders
FanDuel Sportsbook recently released the odds for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. Connor Zilisch is the clear favorite, bolstered by an impressive streak and top positioning in the playoff standings. Sheldon Creed, listed at +3000, remains a playoff hopeful, while Taylor Gray, Nicholas Sanchez, and Jesse Love round out the roster of notable competitors still within striking distance.
The upcoming races will determine who among Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, and the rest of the playoff contenders can challenge Zilisch’s dominance. Teams like JR Motorsports continue to post fast laps and strong finishes, setting the stage for a competitive end to the season.
As the Xfinity Series travels to Kansas Speedway, all eyes will be on whether Zilisch, Creed, and other key names such as Aric Almirola and Taylor Gray can maintain their momentum and capitalize on their championship opportunities.
Three straight races, three Xfinity Fastest Laps for CZ88. pic.twitter.com/7mwxIpSwdh
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) September 16, 2025
Aric Almirola wins at Bristol! Sheldon Creed gave it everything he had. pic.twitter.com/t2yvZD4XTG
— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) September 13, 2025
