Brandon Jones earned the top qualifying spot for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship by recording the fastest lap in Saturday night’s session at Phoenix Raceway, edging out competition in dramatic fashion. The NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship, which sees the best drivers competing under the Phoenix lights, is poised for an exciting finish as Jones leads the field when the green flag drops.
Brandon Jones Secures Top Starting Position
In the latest round of qualifying at Phoenix Raceway, Brandon Jones managed a blistering lap speed of 130.957 mph, just 0.103 seconds ahead of Taylor Gray. While both Jones and Gray delivered outstanding performances, neither is a part of the Championship 4—those select drivers still in contention for the series title.
The regular-season champion, Connor Zilisch, put in a swift lap of 130.227 mph to secure the fourth starting spot, right alongside Justin Allgaier, who matched his speed but will start from fifth. Jesse Love lines up in the sixth position after a close qualifying session. Meanwhile, Carson Kvapil, the only rookie among the final four contenders, will begin the championship race from the fourteenth slot after turning in a respectable lap of 129.301 mph.
“He’ll be out front when the green flag flies!@BrandonJonesRac wins the Kennametal Pole Award at @phoenixraceway! pic.twitter.com/njfWEw2Tsf”
— NASCAR Xfinity, Official NASCAR Xfinity Series Account
NASCAR Modifies Age Rules for Upcoming Series
As anticipation grows for the championship, NASCAR officials announced significant changes for the 2026 season, including a rebranding of the series to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and new eligibility rules regarding drivers’ ages. According to these changes, 17-year-old drivers will be allowed to compete on oval tracks of 1.25 miles or less, as well as road courses, starting next year. However, rookies will need to be at least 18 years old to participate in races on longer ovals.
The adjustment is set to have a direct impact on young talents like Brent Crews, who could potentially run nearly a full season with Joe Gibbs Racing before reaching his 18th birthday, reducing the number of races he would have to miss due to age restrictions.
“NEWS: Cup Series driver limits changed for O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity) and trucks. Also minimum age change for Xfinity — will be big for Brent Crews, who is expected to possibly do a full year with Joe Gibbs Racing to miss fewer races before he turns 18.@bobpockrass pic.twitter.com/2kusDRmFKm”
— NASCAR Race Updates & News, NASCAR News Service
Starting Grid for the Championship Race at Phoenix
Saturday’s event boasts a competitive field, with some of the top names in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race set to contend under the Phoenix Raceway lights. Here is the official starting lineup:
1. Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
2. Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
3. Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
4. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
5. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
6. Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
7. Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
8. Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
9. Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
10. Ryan Sieg, No. 41 Ford
11. Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
12. Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
13. Justin Bonsignore, No. 18 Toyota
14. Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
15. Corey Day, No. 17 Chevrolet
16. Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
17. Kyle Sieg, No. 39 Ford
18. Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
19. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
20. Brenden Queen, No. 11 Chevrolet
21. Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
22. Connor Mosack, No. 99 Chevrolet
23. Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
24. Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
25. Leland Honeyman, No. 79 Chevrolet
26. Josh Bilicki, No. 91 Chevrolet
27. Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
28. Nick Leitz, No. 28 Ford
29. Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
30. Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
31. Patrick Emerling, No. 07 Chevrolet
32. Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
33. Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
34. Stefan Parsons, No. 35 Chevrolet
35. Glen Reen, No. 5 Ford
36. Joey Gase, No. 53 Chevrolet
37. Josh Williams, No. 45 Chevrolet
38. Dawson Cram, No. 74 Chevrolet
“No more talk. No more speculation. Tonight, an Xfinity Series champion will be crowned under the @phoenixraceway lights. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/Rnt1eTPAIm”
— NASCAR Xfinity, Official NASCAR Xfinity Series Account
Implications for Championship Contenders and Rising Stars
The intense competition among drivers, including standouts like Sheldon Creed, Harrison Burton, Sammy Smith, Justin Bonsignore, Joey Gase, Garrett Smithley, and others, highlights the depth and evolving talent pool of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship field. The changes introduced by NASCAR—specifically the revised age eligibility—signal an era where up-and-coming racers like Brent Crews and Carson Kvapil can enter major events at a younger age, paving the way for fresh faces in future championships.
The presence of diverse machinery from Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet further ramps up the excitement, as manufacturers compete for the coveted title. With the season reaching its climax, eyes are on Phoenix Raceway as drivers prepare to battle for supremacy. The outcome not only determines who claims the championship trophy tonight but also hints at the possible shift in the driver roster and regulations that could influence races and careers in the coming years.
He'll be out front when the green flag flies!@BrandonJonesRac wins the Kennametal Pole Award at @phoenixraceway! pic.twitter.com/njfWEw2Tsf
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 1, 2025
NEWS: Cup Series driver limits changed for O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity) and trucks. Also minimum age change for Xfinity — will be big for Brent Crews, who is expected to possibly do a full year with Joe Gibbs Racing to miss fewer races before he turns 18.@bobpockrass pic.twitter.com/2kusDRmFKm
— NASCAR Race Updates & News (@RaceUpdatesNews) November 1, 2025
No more talk. No more speculation.
Tonight, an Xfinity Series champion will be crowned under the @phoenixraceway lights. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/Rnt1eTPAIm
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) November 1, 2025
