Buckle up, race fans – the Talladega playoff showdown is about to explode with high-stakes drama that could redefine the NASCAR Xfinity Series season! If you've ever wondered how underdogs rise and champions fall on one of racing's most unpredictable tracks, this qualifying order for the Xfinity Series event at Talladega Superspeedway is your front-row ticket. But here's where it gets controversial – is the system stacking the deck for certain teams, or is it a brilliant equalizer? Stick around as we dive deep into the details, breaking it down so even newcomers can follow the thrill.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is set to roar into action at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend, with qualifying kicking off Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET, available exclusively on The CW App. For those new to the sport, Talladega is legendary for its high speeds and pack racing, where drafting strategies can turn a mid-pack driver into a front-runner in the blink of an eye – think of it like a chess game on wheels where one wrong move sends you spinning out.
For more coverage, check out the qualifying orders for the Cup Series (https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/10/15/nascar-cup-series-qualifying-order-for-talladega-playoff-race/) and Truck Series (https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/10/15/nascar-craftsman-truck-series-qualifying-order-for-talladega-superspeedway-playoff-race/), and get the full weekend schedule here (https://www.nascar.com/weekend-schedule/weekend-schedule-for-2025-talladega-superspeedway-fall-race/). Plus, if you're tuning in from home, learn how to watch the Xfinity Series on The CW (https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/01/28/how-to-watch-nascar-xfinity-series-on-the-cw/).
Talladega follows special superspeedway qualifying rules, designed to handle the track's massive speeds and prevent chaos. There are two rounds: the first lap determines the top 10 who advance to the pole round, with each round consisting of just one high-octane lap. This is especially crucial here because it's the only time the cars hit the track before the main event – the Round of 8 playoff race at 4 p.m. ET, broadcast on The CW, with audio on MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Imagine the pressure: your qualifying performance could set the tone for the entire race, where drafting and strategy are king.
Now, this is the part most people miss – the qualifying order isn't just random; it's calculated using a smart metric that blends the owner's finish from the previous race (weighted at 70%) with their current points standing (30%). It's a way to reward recent performance while considering overall season consistency, giving teams a chance to strategize lineup changes. For example, if a team swapped drivers and did well last time out, they might leapfrog ahead, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the playoffs.
But here's where opinions diverge: Does this system truly merit-based, or does it unfairly favor wealthier teams with deeper driver pools? Some argue it's a fair shake for innovation, while others see it as a loophole that undermines pure driver skill. And this is the part that sparks debate – what if a rookie gets bumped for a veteran based on ownership points? Could this change the face of NASCAR, prioritizing team resources over individual talent?
Without further ado, here's the full qualifying order for the Xfinity Series at Talladega, complete with each driver's metric score. Remember, a '#' denotes a series rookie, (i) means ineligible for driver points, and (P) indicates a playoff driver. These scores reflect that 70/30 blend, so higher numbers mean better positioning based on recent results and standings.
Pos. Car No. Drivers Metric Score
1 74 Carson Ware 41.9
2 5 Caesar Bacarella 40.4
3 45 Josh Williams 36.1
4 53 Joey Gase 35.9
5 70 Leland Honeyman 35.9
6 35 David Starr 35.1
7 7 Nick Leitz 33.4
8 14 Garrett Smithley 33.2
9 32 Jordan Anderson 32.8
10 51 Jeremy Clements 32.1
11 71 Ryan Ellis 29
12 4 Parker Retzlaff 28.5
13 31 Blaine Perkins 27.3
14 91 Mason Maggio 25.1
15 26 Dean Thompson # 24.7
16 42 Anthony Alfredo 24.6
17 44 Brennan Poole 23.8
18 28 Kyle Sieg 22.8
19 27 Jeb Burton 22.7
20 99 Connor Mosack(i) 20.5
21 11 Brenden Queen 17.8
22 10 Daniel Dye # 17.6
23 16 Christian Eckes # 16.8
24 18 William Sawalich # 13.8
25 25 Harrison Burton 13.7
26 39 Ryan Sieg 9.7
27 54 Taylor Gray # 8.3
28 48 Nick Sanchez # 6.8
29 8 Sammy Smith (P) 17.6
30 1 Carson Kvapil # (P) 13.5
31 20 Brandon Jones (P) 11.2
32 0 Sheldon Creed (P) 10.1
33 21 Austin Hill (P) 8.2
34 41 Sam Mayer (P) 8.1
35 2 Jesse Love (P) 5.7
36 7 Justin Allgaier (P) 2.7
37 88 Connor Zilisch # (P) 1.7
38 19 Aric Almirola (P) 1.6
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There you have it – a lineup packed with rookies, veterans, and playoff contenders, all vying for that coveted starting spot on NASCAR's wildest track. As the green flag drops, who will emerge from the chaos? Do you think this qualifying metric rewards the right drivers, or should NASCAR shake things up for more fairness? Is Talladega's unpredictability the ultimate equalizer, or does it just amplify team disparities? We'd love to hear your take – agree, disagree, or share your bold predictions in the comments below!
