The lineup is confirmed for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship, as four drivers prepare to compete for the season title at Phoenix Raceway next weekend. The field features a remarkable concentration of talent from JR Motorsports, with three out of the four finalists driving for the team, making the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship one of the most anticipated title battles in recent memory.
Three JR Motorsports Drivers Secure Finalist Spots
JR Motorsports dominates the Championship 4 this season. Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, and Carson Kvapil have secured their places among the final contenders. Their strong runs all year reflect the organization’s strength, but historical context raises the stakes: this lineup mirrors their situation in 2022, where a similar majority in the final failed to clinch the title, leaving the outcome far from certain. These JR Motorsports teammates now face both high expectations and the pressure of legacy, seeking to deliver a championship for the organization at Phoenix Raceway.
Jesse Love Joins the Finals for Richard Childress Racing
Breaking up the JR Motorsports dominance is Jesse Love of Richard Childress Racing. As a member of Team Chevrolet, Love ensures that the manufacturer is guaranteed the driver’s title this year. While RCR is represented by Love in the driver championship race, the owner’s championship picture diverges. Aric Almirola will pilot the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the owner’s title battle, and Austin Hill in the No. 21 RCR Chevrolet advanced as well after his strong performance in the Round of 8. This sets up a layered and complex fight for both major honors in the series at Phoenix.
Meet the 2025 Xfinity Series Championship Contenders
The four finalists for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship are:
1. Connor Zilisch – No. 88, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Connor Zilisch has risen as a dominant force in the 2025 Xfinity Series, registering 10 wins, 19 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens, with an average finish of 8.2. Despite being a teenager and not competing full-time in the previous season, Zilisch’s aggressive driving style and consistency have made him a clear favorite. His season was marked by overcoming physical challenges, including a back injury and a broken collarbone. During a particularly impressive summer, Zilisch won seven of eight races, at one point relying on relief driver Parker Kligerman to bring his car home at Daytona. Next year, Zilisch is set to move up to the NASCAR Cup Series after signing a deal for 2026, but prefers to make that jump with an Xfinity title to his name.
2. Justin Allgaier – No. 7, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Justin Allgaier represents the veteran core of JR Motorsports, adding substantial experience to the finals lineup. With 28 career Xfinity wins, Allgaier is aiming to defend his 2024 title and achieve back-to-back championships—something last accomplished by Tyler Reddick in 2018 and 2019. This marks Allgaier’s 15th full-season campaign in the series, and his sixth appearance in the last seven Championship 4s. His 2025 statistics include three wins, 14 top fives, and 19 top tens, averaging a finish of 12.5. Allgaier’s resilience and familiarity with high-stakes races make him a formidable presence in the finale.
3. Jesse Love – No. 2, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Jesse Love has advanced to the Championship 4 in his second full-time season with Richard Childress Racing. This year, Love posted one win, eight top fives, and 21 top tens, with an average finish of 11.4. Despite encountering a difficult race in the semifinal round—including a car that was tough to handle and several pit road penalties—he accumulated enough points over the season to move forward. Although Love is vying for the driver’s title, RCR’s hopes for the owner’s championship rest with Austin Hill in the No. 21 car.
4. Carson Kvapil – No. 1, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Carson Kvapil rounds out the Championship 4 for JR Motorsports. Kvapil’s 2025 campaign features no race wins yet, but he captured seven top fives and 14 top tens, finishing with an average of 13.8. This marks a significant leap from his previous 30th-place series result, as he did not compete full time last year. Kvapil entered the finals with a dramatic performance, recovering from a late-race spin and edging out Brandon Jones by four points to secure his spot. While he’s aiming for a full-time ride next year, he’s now focused on potentially claiming his first series championship.
Significance of the 2025 Championship Showdown at Phoenix
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship is set up for a dramatic conclusion, highlighting both established veterans and rising stars. With JR Motorsports fielding three of the four title competitors, the team’s strength is on prominent display. However, past disappointments at this stage add tension and unpredictability for the team and its fans.
Jesse Love’s place as the sole non-JR Motorsports finalist for Richard Childress Racing keeps the competition even, ensuring a Chevrolet driver will secure the driver’s championship. The owner’s championship will take a different path, featuring Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing entries, adding another layer of intensity at Phoenix Raceway. As the season’s final race approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, promising an engaging battle for fans of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, its teams, and the drivers who have defined this season.
