The NASCAR Xfinity Series resumes its playoff run this Saturday at Kansas Speedway following a dramatic race in Bristol, where non-playoff driver Aric Almirola capitalized on a well-executed strategy. Even after a week of uncertainty for several teams, Connor Zilisch championship odds remain the strongest in the series, positioning him as the top contender for the title.
High Stakes as Playoffs Continue in Kansas
Last week’s Bristol Motor Speedway event brought unexpected developments. Aric Almirola, not involved in the playoff chase, managed to secure the win through clever tactics. Meanwhile, Sammy Smith encountered significant trouble when his No. 8 Chevrolet suffered engine issues due to a faulty head gasket, ending his night after only 55 laps. This malfunction relegated Smith to a 37th place finish, placing him just above last on the results sheet.
This tough loss dropped Smith to 12th in the standings, leaving him 24 points under the playoff cut and with only remote odds (+7500, as per FanDuel Sportsbook) of clinching the championship. As the field gears up for the upcoming Kansas Speedway event, all regular and playoff drivers are feeling the pressure of the high-stakes competition.
By contrast, Connor Zilisch, who secured the regular-season crown, continues to lead the championship odds at -110. This strong favor reflects both his season-long consistency and his commanding performance among his fellow series drivers.
Bristol is always a blast. Let’s see what we’ve got this weekend ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ZPltFfV8FP
— Sammy Smith (@sammysmithSS) April 9, 2025
SS-Greenlight Racing Lands New Backing for Garrett Smithley’s Team
Significant changes are also underway for Garrett Smithley and the SS-Greenlight Racing No. 14 Chevrolet team. With six races left in the season, ThermoTech Partners has stepped up as the new primary sponsor for the Mooresville-based organization, starting with this week’s Kansas event.
This is a huge deal for us,
said Smithley, who is currently ranked 30th in the standings.
Have a partner for the final six races is a huge relief for the end of the season.
In the current campaign, Smithley has run 20 starts, earning a single top-10 and leading a lap, while his teammate Logan Bearden finished in 30th position at Bristol, trailing the front by four laps. Team owner Bobby Dotter remarked that the final stretch of races will be vital for the squad’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 season, as they aim to build on their recent improvements and new sponsorship momentum.
Odds for 2025 Xfinity Series Championship Contenders
According to updates from FanDuel Sportsbook, odds for the 2025 Xfinity Series drivers’ championship currently feature Zilisch as the solid frontrunner, a reflection of his powerful regular season and strong track record. These odds remain fluid as the playoff rounds progress, but Zilisch’s command of the standings has made him the driver to watch for the championship battle.
As the playoffs advance, all eyes are on Kansas Speedway, where every race can dramatically reshape the championship picture. Teams like SS-Greenlight Racing with new sponsorship boosts, and drivers like Sammy Smith seeking redemption, will be under intense scrutiny as the title race accelerates toward its conclusion. Connor Zilisch’s performance will be especially critical, as he seeks to solidify his place at the top with the best odds in the field.
Bristol is always a blast. Let’s see what we’ve got this weekend ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ZPltFfV8FP
— Sammy Smith (@sammysmithSS) April 9, 2025
🚨 Super Excited to announce ThermoTech as the primary partner of @GarrettSmithley ‘s #14 Chevy for the last 6 races of the year! pic.twitter.com/aZAqPprGKs
— SS GreenLight Racing (@SSGLR0708) September 22, 2025
