The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series offered a season filled with both unexpected developments and the emergence of compelling new talent, keeping fans and teams on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Through a rollercoaster of intense competition, controversy, and breakthrough performances, the series spotlighted future stars and delivered unforgettable moments to motorsport enthusiasts across the country.
Connor Zilisch’s Commanding Performance and Notable Milestones
As the season unfolded, Connor Zilisch set an astonishing pace, finishing with an impressive 10 victories, 20 top-five placements, and 23 top-ten finishes. Despite this dominance, Zilisch narrowly missed capturing the championship title, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Xfinity Series. His remarkable consistency was evident during an unprecedented streak of 18 consecutive top-five finishes, beginning at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and continuing through Las Vegas in October. Even though he didn’t win the final race at Phoenix Raceway, Zilisch’s season stands as one of the most memorable in recent Xfinity history.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. As a rookie, Zilisch earned both the regular-season championship and the distinction of Rookie of the Year, solidifying his rapidly rising stature in the sport. These achievements have set the stage for his move to Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series for the upcoming season.
“You can see the emotion for @ConnorZilisch. pic.twitter.com/AER14VGhVW”
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90)
Jesse Love Claims the Coveted Championship
While Zilisch dominated much of the season, it was Jesse Love who delivered when it counted most. Overcoming a difficult Martinsville Speedway race to qualify for the Championship 4, Love delivered the race of his career at Phoenix Raceway. With just under 25 laps to go, he overtook his closest competitor and sped ahead to become only the fifth driver in series history to claim the title at age 20 or younger. This remarkable achievement crowned a season of grit and resilience for Love and expanded the narrative of young talent making their mark in NASCAR.
Rising Rookies and First-Time Winners
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series was also notable for the emergence of new talent. Nick Sanchez celebrated his inaugural career victory at EchoPark Speedway, a significant milestone captured in one of the year’s memorable moments.
“Nick Sanchez gets his first career #XfinitySeries win! pic.twitter.com/0R15dhgUwx”
— The CW Sports
Taylor Gray broke through at Martinsville Speedway and wrapped up the season strongly, winning the opening stage at Phoenix. His performances suggest a competitor capable of making an impact in the league for years to come. Additionally, William Sawalich, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, rebounded from a challenging start and a stint outside the top 20 in points. Beginning at Sonoma Raceway, he put together six finishes inside the top ten over the course of eight races, including a pair of second-place results before health issues cut his campaign short.
Drama and Action at Watkins Glen International
The series’ annual event at Watkins Glen International became the year’s most talked-about race, delivering both high drama and intense competition. Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen were poised for a dramatic showdown reminiscent of their battle at Sonoma. The tension culminated in the two drivers making contact, resulting in van Gisbergen’s day ending abruptly after a significant crash.
Meanwhile, Austin Hill returned from a suspension with a vengeance, causing further turmoil after an incident involving Michael McDowell. The chaotic sequence left several contenders out of the race and led to what many described as the “big one.”
“AUSTIN HILL CAUSES THE BIG ONE AT WATKINS GLEN! pic.twitter.com/f7R87w5nLl”
— The Daily Downfords
Despite the mayhem, Zilisch emerged victorious on the road course, earning another celebrated win. However, his post-race celebration resulted in a viral moment as he broke his collarbone live on camera, adding another chapter to the unpredictable 2025 season.
Austin Hill’s Controversial Summer Streak
Austin Hill’s summer campaign became a focal point for both admiration and criticism. Hoping to establish himself as a leader, Hill’s season took a contentious turn following an incident with Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hill executed a maneuver that the series ruled as intentional, sending Almirola hard into the wall and inciting a penalty. NASCAR officials held Hill for several laps on pit road for reckless driving, prompting a heated response from the driver.
“.@_AustinHill initially makes the save before making contact with @Aric_Almirola, bringing out the caution. pic.twitter.com/baBqE2TGqz”
— The CW Sports
This decision was met with disapproval from several quarters, including team owner Richard Childress.
“Here is what Richard Childress said after the race about #NASCAR penalizing Austin Hill 5 laps for reckless driving for incident with Aric Almirola in the Xfinity race at Indy. pic.twitter.com/vJfiU1DXaZ”
— Dustin Long
Hill, after serving his suspension during the Iowa Speedway weekend, returned to competition at Watkins Glen but acquired further notoriety for another controversial incident. The entire episode led to a deduction of 21 crucial playoff points—the exact margin that saw him miss advancing in the postseason, underlining the far-reaching impact of his tumultuous summer.
The CW’s Breakout Year as Broadcast Partner
Beyond the racing action, 2025 was a transformative year for Xfinity Series coverage thanks to The CW joining as the official broadcast partner. The network brought fresh passion and depth to every race, ensuring fans gained a clearer window into the competitors’ stories and the league’s evolving rivalries. Anchored by broadcasters Adam Alexander, Jamie McMurray, and Parker Kligerman, along with weekly driver analysts, the coverage elevated the viewing experience with insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes stories.
Reporters such as Kim Coon, Dillon Welch, and Carla Metts contributed to expanded pre- and post-race coverage, enhancing the storytelling dimension each weekend. The CW’s commitment extended to both informed and enthusiastic coverage, distinguishing the 2025 season within the broader context of motorsports broadcasting.
Viewership Milestones and the Series’ Growing Audience
The new broadcast partnership yielded tangible results, delivering significant growth in the series’ audience compared to previous years. The CW reported a 10% increase in ratings over last season, with more than one million viewers tuning in for each race, including the finale. The 2025 campaign achieved the highest viewership in four years, signaling growing fan interest and successful efforts in promoting the series.
“The CW just announced Xfinity Series ratings were up 10% over last year and averaged more than one million viewers per race (including the finale, which also topped a million). Most-watched Xfinity season in four years. https://t.co/Vu8Z3O8xk3”
— Jeff Gluck
NASCAR Productions, working in tandem with The CW, played a pivotal role in elevating the coverage to new standards. Still, some areas remain for future growth, including increasing the number of live in-person broadcasts and streamlining the viewing experience through their app. Nonetheless, the collaboration set a high bar, removing hurdles for fans and helping the series shine on cable television.
Looking Ahead: Momentum Into 2026
With the conclusion of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, the anticipation for the newly named NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is already building. As experienced drivers like Jesse Love celebrate breakthrough achievements and rookies like Connor Zilisch and Nick Sanchez continue to impress, the future looks bright for both the athletes and the racing community. The partnership with The CW, widespread viewership increases, and the unpredictable excitement of this past season all suggest that NASCAR’s second-tier series is poised for even more dramatic developments ahead.
You can see the emotion for @ConnorZilisch. pic.twitter.com/AER14VGhVW
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 2, 2025
Nick Sanchez gets his first career #XfinitySeries win! pic.twitter.com/0R15dhgUwx
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) June 28, 2025
AUSTIN HILL CAUSES THE BIG ONE AT WATKINS GLEN! pic.twitter.com/f7R87w5nLl
— The Daily Downfords (@DailyDownfords) August 9, 2025
.@_AustinHill initially makes the save before making contact with @Aric_Almirola, bringing out the caution. pic.twitter.com/baBqE2TGqz
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) July 26, 2025
Here is what Richard Childress said after the race about #NASCAR penalizing Austin Hill 5 laps for reckless driving for incident with Aric Almirola in the Xfinity race at Indy. pic.twitter.com/vJfiU1DXaZ
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) July 26, 2025
The CW just announced Xfinity Series ratings were up 10% over last year and averaged more than one million viewers per race (including the finale, which also topped a million). Most-watched Xfinity season in four years. https://t.co/Vu8Z3O8xk3
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 5, 2025
