Carson Kvapil prepares for the Xfinity Series showdown. [Image Source: DAILYDOWNFORCE]
Carson Kvapil, a rookie with JR Motorsports, is approaching the NASCAR Xfinity Series ChampionshipRace at Phoenix Raceway with realistic expectations and unwavering determination. The Carson Kvapil Xfinity Series journey has not been smooth, but as the title-deciding weekend arrives, he finds himself among the final four contenders, aiming for an unexpected championship victory.
Kvapil’s Unexpected Path to the Championship Four
For many, including Kvapil himself, the season has been less about consistent victories and more about seizing opportunities when they arise. He entered the campaign with hopes of winning several races and establishing himself as a front-runner for the Xfinity Series title. However, while he successfully reached the Championship 4, he acknowledges that the road there was not what he had envisioned. Kvapil reflected,
“I’m happy with [my season], and I’m happy where I’m at, right now, and I love that I’m racing for a championship, but it’s not been the season that, I guess I thought I’d have, or had hoped for,”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
“I feel like, by now, we should have won a few races and should have been consistently running a little bit better, but I mean we’re in a good spot to go win the championship, and that’s what all of us, set out a goal at the beginning of the season to go be in the final four to give ourselves a shot at the championship.”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
Racing in the Shadow of Historic Dominance
Kvapil has had to contend with the exceptional performance of fellow rookie teammate Connor Zilisch, who has dominated the series with ten victories and a record-setting run of top-five finishes for JR Motorsports. Zilisch’s remarkable drive for the No. 88 Chevrolet set a new standard for Xfinity Series rookies, making Kvapil’s own strong campaign appear more subdued in comparison. Kvapil addressed the unique pressure this comparison creates,
“It’s tough, right? Obviously, you take Connor [Zilisch] out of the equation, we’ve had a pretty good season, and you never know, we might win a race without him racing, or we win some poles, lead more laps, but when you have somebody like Connor that… you’re directly compared to him, and he’s on the same team as you, and he’s a rookie, just like you, it’s tough,”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
Image of: Carson Kvapil
“It kind of makes you not look, the greatest, I guess you could say, but I just know how much he works for it, and obviously, he has a really great team behind him, and those guys have brought racecar to the racetrack for the last five years that are lights-out fast.”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
A Strong Record Despite Overshadowing
While Zilisch and Justin Allgaier have captured much of the attention, Kvapil’s own performance in his rookie campaign has been quietly impressive. With seven top-five finishes—only one fewer than another finalist, Jesse Love—and 14 top-tens that match the mark of Taylor Gray from Joe Gibbs Racing, Kvapil’s statistical record demonstrates consistency. However, with two teammates dominating the headlines, he’s often flown under the radar—something he appears to embrace rather than resist.
“I’m really comfortable with [flying under the radar],”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
“I feel like we’re not on the list of drivers to make the [Championship 4] at the beginning of the season, even now, we’re not on the list to win the championship. So, for us, there’s not a lot of pressure. Connor [Zilisch] winning 10 races, Justin [Allgaier] defending his championship, and even Jesse [Love] having the season he’s had, I think there’s some pressure on those guys, and I’m just sitting here and my legs are crossed and I’m lying back and I’m happy to be here.”
Carson Kvapil, Driver.
Opportunity and Legacy Ahead
Now that the pressure is mostly shouldered by his high-flying teammates and other favorites, Kvapil sees this finale as a nothing-to-lose situation. After an impressive rescue at Martinsville clinched his Championship 4 berth, he’s also been confirmed for a full-time drive in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026, ensuring continued chances to fight for championships. The backdrop of this year’s showdown is not lost on Kvapil, who could follow in the footsteps of his father, Travis Kvapil, by earning a NASCAR championship of his own.
What’s at Stake in Phoenix
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race is set for Phoenix Raceway, with coverage beginning at 7:30 PM ET on The CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. As Carson Kvapil prepares for this high-stakes contest, he stands ready to potentially upset the favorites, with his focus keyword, determination, and talent on full display as he pursues a remarkable conclusion to his rookie campaign.
Carson Kvapil comes into this weekend relaxed. The driver feels like he’s the most under-the-radar guy in the #NASCAR Xfinity Championship 4, and he likes coming into this weekend with that designation. pic.twitter.com/UwPa80vR4w
