This weekend at Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR Xfinity Series season will reach its climax as four drivers—Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love, and Carson Kvapil—compete for the 2025 championship. Denny Hamlin Xfinity champion prediction has drawn attention, as Hamlin shared his detailed ranking of the finalists on his latest Actions Detrimental podcast, focusing on their performances and potential for the championship race.
Hamlin offered a ranking based on the speed he’s seen this year, putting Zilisch and Allgaier at the top of the pyramid, followed by Love and then Kvapil. He provided a candid assessment, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses among the drivers.
“Connor Zilisch, let’s just rank him at one. And then you got Justin Allgaier, that’s two. Based on speed all year, it’s 88, 7, 2, 1,”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and commentator. He continued with his critique, noting changes in momentum for some of the competitors as the season progressed. Hamlin specifically pointed out that where Kvapil started strong, he saw the pace level off as the season advanced.
“I just thought that 1 team was very underwhelming for the bulk of the season. Seven top 5s in the Xfinity Series is not much, not much at all. I just feel like Jesse’s been faster than Carson. Jesse was pretty good at Phoenix last year.”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and commentator.
Zilisch’s Dominant Season Highlights Championship Potential
With ten wins under his belt, plus 19 top-five and 22 top-ten finishes over the season, Connor Zilisch enters Phoenix as a frontrunner in the eyes of many analysts. The young driver leads the series in laps led, totaling 986, and consistently demonstrates his competitive edge. His performance has been a standout story in this year’s series, establishing him as one of the main favorites for the championship prize at Phoenix Raceway.
Justin Allgaier, who captured the championship last year, has proven his consistency by recording almost as many laps led as Zilisch—just 13 fewer. Allgaier, also a member of JR Motorsports, delivered a solid second-place finish at Phoenix last year, which secured his first title in dramatic style. His technical understanding of the Phoenix short track, matched by equal access to the team’s top-tier equipment, positions him as a formidable challenger once again.
Hamlin Predicts Allgaier’s Experience Will Make the Difference
Denny Hamlin, using both performance statistics and personal insights, outlined why he thinks the showdown will likely narrow in on Allgaier and Zilisch. While both are backed by JR Motorsports and benefit from excellent resources, Hamlin highlighted Allgaier’s veteran status and prior experience at Phoenix Raceway as critical advantages.
“You gotta think like the 7 car last year in the championship race, Justin Allgaier was very, very dominant. You gotta think he’s gonna be pretty tough again, but you also got the 88 who is part of that team and has gotten better on all types of tracks throughout the season. I still think it’s gonna be a close one,”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and commentator.
“I think Justin’s experience at Phoenix will counter whatever success the 88 is having throughout the season, so I think that’s gonna be a 1A and 1B type of race. And then Jesse will be right there near them. Carson is gonna need to find some speed.”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and commentator.
In making his final call, Hamlin placed his trust in Allgaier, noting the significance of both equipment quality and track knowledge. He asserted that Allgaier’s repeated impressive showings at Phoenix could tip the scales.
“… I’ll give the nod to Justin just based off of his car is gonna just as prepared as the 88, he’s not gonna get beat on equipment. I believe this is where experience will benefit him well. That might be one of his best racetracks. They were lightning fast [last year]. So, Justin’s my pick.”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and commentator.
What Lies Ahead as the Championship Race Approaches
As the 2025 Xfinity Series Championship race draws near, anticipation grows around who will emerge victorious. Hamlin’s prediction frames the event as a competitive battle between teammates Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch, with Jesse Love and Carson Kvapil seeking to upset the favorites. With the Phoenix Raceway hosting several memorable finishes in past years, the stage is set for another high-stakes contest, showcasing the strengths and ambitions of rising and established talents alike. The spotlight remains on Allgaier, Zilisch, and their JR Motorsports team as the field prepares for an intense conclusion to the season in the Arizona desert.
