Connor Zilisch and defending champion Justin Allgaier have emerged as the leading favorites to win the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, according to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. The event, which marks the Round of 8 finale, is also notable for changes to the driver lineup due to recent injuries and strategic roster decisions across multiple teams.
Driver William Sawalich Sidelined Following Injury
William Sawalich, a promising rookie in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will not participate in Saturday’s race after Joe Gibbs Racing reported that he is experiencing concussion-like symptoms. This development follows an incident last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, where Sawalich was involved in a six-car collision and required medical evaluation at a local hospital in Alabama.
In adherence to the series’ concussion protocol, Joe Gibbs Racing has named Justin Bonsignore, a veteran from the Modified Tour, as Sawalich’s replacement for the race at Martinsville. This substitution comes as the team emphasizes the importance of Sawalich’s recovery and long-term health.
“I’m disappointed to not be in the car this weekend, but my health is my number one priority,”
Sawalich stated in a press release from the team. Sawalich has had a challenging season, collecting nine top-10 finishes but also contending with nine did-not-finishes (DNFs).
Odds Favor Zilisch and Allgaier as Racing Resumes
The betting landscape for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race highlights Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier as top contenders, both holding +270 odds to win. Allgaier, the circuit’s reigning champion, seeks to solidify his standing, while Zilisch’s consistent performance has kept him in championship conversations. These odds reflect both recent form and expectations from sportsbooks as the teams head into the critical Round of 8 conclusion at Martinsville.
Takuma Koga Takes the Wheel for Joey Gase Motorsports
Takuma Koga, a regular competitor in both ARCA Menards Series East and West, will pilot the No. 35 car for Joey Gase Motorsports. Koga, age 48, recently achieved a fifth-place finish in the East standings and made history in May by scoring a third-place finish at Flat Rock Speedway, marking the best result ever by an Asian driver in the series.
Koga faces steep odds at +50000 for this short-oval race, but his participation marks only his second NASCAR Xfinity Series outing this season. In his previous start, he finished 29th at Portland International Speedway on August 30. The driver’s competitive journey continues as he seeks to improve his position and contribute to the team’s season goals.
“Big time contact for Takuma Koga and Austin Vaughn brings out the 🟡 at @RaceIRP.
📺 FS1 pic.twitter.com/yeOr116uk0
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) July 25, 2025
Betting Odds Set the Stage for the IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250
FanDuel Sportsbook has released the odds for the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 at Martinsville Speedway. The betting board features Zilisch and Allgaier at the front, while others, including underdogs such as Takuma Koga, are seen as long shots. These odds are current as of publication, providing fans and analysts a snapshot of expectations as the race weekend approaches.
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway draws near, all eyes are on the unfolding storylines surrounding favorites Zilisch and Allgaier, roster changes driven by safety protocols, and the aspirations of racers like Takuma Koga. The results this weekend could significantly reshape the outlook for the championship and highlight the unpredictable nature of the current season.
NEWS: William Sawalich (@WilliamSawalich) announces that he will not be racing this weekends NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/CQlcNFljoy
— Declan Wayman (@declan_wayman) October 22, 2025
Big time contact for Takuma Koga and Austin Vaughn brings out the 🟡 at @RaceIRP.
📺 FS1 pic.twitter.com/yeOr116uk0
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) July 25, 2025
