On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence will start its stretch run on the Michigan Worldwide Speedway within the sequence’ first race since July 20. With 13 races — together with seven playoff races to find out a champion — remaining within the season, these are the largest storylines to look at.
Will Cole Custer’s consistency finish in a championship?
Custer is the present Xfinity Sequence factors chief and the defending Xfinity Sequence champion, however it’s wins that actually pay in modern-day NASCAR. Custer stepped as much as the plate when he needed to in 2023, and his first win of the season at Pocono on July 13 appears to have the No. 00 crew headed in the fitting route. Grabbing a win or two earlier than the common season ends would not damage, although, and you’ll by no means have sufficient playoff factors.
Will Shane van Gisbergen adapt to his new crew chief?
What’s harder than attempting to make a championship run in your rookie season? How about attempting to make a championship run with a brand-new crew chief? That is the problem that awaits Shane van Gisbergen, who noticed crew chief Bruce Schlicker depart Kaulig Racing in the course of the Olympic break. Kevin Walter is a stable alternative for a alternative, however Schlicker helped van Gisbergen earn his first three Xfinity Sequence wins and acquire expertise on ovals. With six regular-season races remaining, it is essential for van Gisbergen and Walters to construct chemistry earlier than the strain amps up.
Can Jr Motorsports flip issues round?
Jr Motorsports is used to successful a slew of races and being a championship menace, and whereas two of their drivers have punched their tickets to the postseason, two others have not. Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer are rightfully thought of title threats because the postseason attracts close to, however Sammy Smith is three factors out of the playoffs in thirteenth, with Brandon Jones and the No. 9 crew struggling via a second consecutive poor season. Smith must develop up shortly with postseason strain staring him within the face, whereas Jones must discover a strategy to win one of many subsequent six races to keep away from lacking the playoffs for the second straight yr.
Which driver breaks via for his or her first Xfinity Sequence win?
Michigan pole-sitter Sheldon Creed could seem to be the apparent reply to the above query, however with Parker Kligerman, Ryan Sieg and Anthony Alfredo all combating for each their first win and a playoff spot, an emotional victory could possibly be across the nook. Sieg got here inside inches of a win at Texas in April, whereas Creed has 10 runner-up finishes within the Xfinity Sequence up to now. With Daytona looming subsequent Friday, do not rely out the litany of underdogs within the Xfinity Sequence subject, both: Parker Retzlaff, Josh Williams, Ryan Ellis and Kyle Weatherman all have pretty much as good of a shot as the remainder of the sector to win their first race on the excessive banks of the Florida monitor.
