The NASCAR Xfinity Series will crown its 2025 champion in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race on Nov. 1 at Phoenix Raceway.
Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, Carson Kvapil and Jesse Love are competing for the title as a part of the Championship 4.
Zilisch, Allgaier and Love will start next to each other, 4th through 6th, while Kvapil will start 14th.
Rookies Zilisch and Kvapil are looking to win the Xfinity title in their first seasons, with Zilisch the driver of the year in the series overall.
Allgaier is vying to repeat as Xfinity Series champion and be the first to do so since Tyler Reddick in 2019.
Follow along with the Tennessean’s race updates below:
NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix live updates, highlights, live leaderboard for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race
Connor Zilisch wins Rookie of the Year
Despite all his wins this year, Connor Zilisch still hadn’t clinched the 2025 Rookie of the Year award from Carson Kvapil with both in the Championship 4. But he did clinch it tonight with his third-place finish.
Jesse Love on winning the Xfinity Series title
Jesse Love says in his CW interview he was “so bad” early in the race, but crew chief Danny Stockman “put one of his magic wrenches” into the car and they took off. He is grateful to his team and his friends and family.
NASCAR Xfinity Phoenix results
The top 10 tonight:
Jesse Love, No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Aric Almirola, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Connor Zilisch, No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Brandon Jones, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Justin Allgaier, No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Sammy Smith, No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Taylor Gray, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Haas Factory Team Ford
Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Justin Bonsignore, No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Find the full results here.
Jesse Love wins the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series title!
Jesse Love wins the race at Phoenix and wins the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series title! He bests the three JR Motorsports drivers and earns another Xfinity title for RCR.
Jesse Love’s race to lose
Barring a caution, Jesse Love is in control. He leads by 1.5 seconds with three laps to go.
Lap 190: Jesse Love’s lead is 1 second
Jesse Love is weaving through traffic, and he has a 1 second lead over Connor Zilisch as Aric Almirola runs Zilisch down for second.
Justin Allgaier is back to 5th, more than 6 seconds behind.
Jesse Love leads Connor Zilisch with 20 laps to go
Connor Zilisch is staying within range, but Jesse Love leads at Lap 180. Justin Allgaier is on the outside looking in here, 3 seconds back in 4th.
Lap 175: Jesse Love is right there for the lead
Jesse Love is right there, and he finally gets alongside Connor Zilisch and makes the pass for the lead!
Lap 167: Championship 4 reset
1. Connor Zilisch (leader)
2. Jesse Love (-0.5 seconds)
4. Justin Allgaier (-1.2 seconds)
15. Carson Kvapil (-6.7 seconds)
Lap 162: Connor Zilisch not pulling away
Aric Almirola, running for the owner’s championship, is within three-tenths of Connor Zilisch. But here comes Jesse Love.
Connor Zilisch to the lead on the restart
Connor Zilisch leads off the bottom lane, with Aric Almirola winning a three-wide battle for second.
Jesse Love wins race off pit road; Justin Allgaier back to 4th
Jesse Love wins the race off pit road, with Connor Zilisch in second. Right-rear issues for Justin Allgaier, who drops three spots back to 4th.
Lap 152: Ryan Sieg spins with help from Christian Eckes
Christian Eckes spins Ryan Sieg through turn 3, and Sieg backs into the wall. That was not pretty. Sieg is not happy.
Everyone will pit for tires.
Lap 150: Jesse Love, Justin Allgaier battling for the lead
Jesse Love is faster than Justin Allgaier when not in traffic, but Love is just following the No. 7 around.
50 laps to go. Who will pit for tires, or will someone run this out?
Lap 139: Jesse Love closing in
Jesse Love has changed his entry to both corners and is on the rear bumper of Justin Allgaier for the lead.
Lap 132: Justin Allgaier holds a modest lead over Jesse Love
Justin Allgaier’s lead is 0.6 seconds over Jesse Love. Connor Zilisch is fourth but more than 3 seconds behind the leader.
Lap 124: Corey Day up into top five with new tires
Corey Day is up to fifth on new tires after restarting outside the top 15. Keep an eye on that for later in the race.
Lap 118: Back to green!
None of the leaders pitted during that caution. Justin Allgaier holds on to the lead at the restart. Connor Zilisch is still stuck in 5th.
Lap 113: Caution for Leland Honeyman
Caution is out for Leland Honeyman near the start-finish line. Nothing too bad in terms of damage.
Connor Zilisch is talking out what he can do differently, especially in turns 1 and 2.
Lap 110: Justin Allgaier managing narrow lead
Justin Allgaier’s lead is 0.4 seconds over Jesse Love as the two match lap times. Connor Zilisch is stalled out behind Sheldon Creed in 5th, and his team is talking about how Love and Allgaier are “slaughtering” the No. 88 in turns 1 and 2.
Justin Allgaier re-takes the lead
Jesse Love is told to “work the (expletive) out of them here” on the restart. But Justin Allgaier is too good on the restart on the inside and leads by three car-lengths on the restart.
“Keep him in your sights,” Love is told about Allgaier.
Connor Zilisch is 5th, while Carson Kvapil is 12th as this last 100 laps begins.
Jesse Love wins race off pit road
Jesse Love wins the race off pit road, while Connor Zilisch loses a handful of spots. The No. 88 team told Zilisch that they would need some time for adjustments and could have a longer stop, and that ended up being true.
Justin Allgaier wins Stage 2
Justin Allgaier amassed a lead of more than three seconds by the end of the run, winning Stage 2.
The top 10:
Justin Allgaier (Championship 4)
Connor Zilisch (Championship 4)
Aric Almirola
Sheldon Creed
Jesse Love (Championship 4)
Taylor Gray
Nick Sanchez
Brandon Jones
Carson Kvapil (Championship 4)
Ryan Sieg
Good run there for Love, up to 5th. Sun has nearly set in Arizona, adding a different layer to track conditions in the final 110 laps.
Lap 63: Justin Allgaier to the lead
Connor Zilisch could not pull away with clean air, and Justin Allgaier just needs a couple laps to pass his Championship 4 teammate for the lead. Let’s see if Allgaier drives away. Second stage ends after Lap 90.
Lap 61: Justin Allgaier to P2
Justin Allgaier, running higher through the corners, passes Taylor Gray for second. Zilisch-Allgaier-Gray-Creed-Almirola in the top five.
Lap 56: Connor Zilisch to the lead
Connor Zilisch does a great job on the restart to take the lead from Taylor Gray after his pit stop put him on the front row. But Gray is closing back in. Carson Kvapil lost several spots on pit road, back to 10th before the restart.
Taylor Gray wins Stage 1
Taylor Gray wins Stage 1. Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier had very similar lap times at the end of that run among Championship 4 drivers, though the last stage could create a final run much longer than 45 laps.
The top 10:
Taylor Gray
Sheldon Creed
Justin Allgaier (Championship 4 driver)
Connor Zilisch (Championship 4 driver)
Nick Sanchez
Carson Kvapil (Championship 4 driver)
Kyle Sieg
Aric Almirola
Sammy Smith
Brandon Jones
Jesse Love fell to 12th by stage end. His team is staying positive on the radio.
Lap 37: Jeb Burton pounds the wall with issue
Jeb Burton pounds the wall in turns 1 and 2, and he gets off the track and down pit road. No caution, which is a surprise. Big impact. Maybe a tire issue?
Lap 35: Jesse Love slipping back in top 10
Jesse Love slips back to 10th, with his times nearly a half-second behind his competitors. 45 laps in Stage 1.
Lap 30: Battle for the lead?
Sheldon Creed closes to within 0.4 seconds of leader Taylor Gray as lap traffic becomes a factor.
Meanwhile, Kyle Sieg passes Ryan Sieg for 10th. That had to have been odd for Ryan Sieg to see the No. 39 drive under him.
Lap 20: Carson Kvapil moving into top 10
Carson Kvapil is up to 9th early in the first stage, up five spots. All four Championship 4 cars are in the top 10.
Lap 10: Taylor Gray in control
Taylor Gray takes the lead, with Sheldon Creed quickly into third. Brandon Jones had a solid start but has not had the speed of the rest of the top five.
Lap 1: Green flag!
Under the sunset in Arizona, the Xfinity Series Championship race is green!
Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray battle for a lap, but Jones takes the lead. Connor Zilisch is third.
Sam Mayer suspension, and why Ryan Sieg is in No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford
Sam Mayer was suspended for the final race of the season by NASCAR after he wrecked Jeb Burton after the checkered flag last week at Martinsville.
Ryan Sieg moves into the No. 41, and he should have a solid shot at a good result today in what, in theory, should be as good or better equipment than his No. 39 ride.
Engines fired at Phoenix
About ready to go at Phoenix, with 200 laps to decide the 2025 Xfinity Series champion. Connor Zilisch has to be the favorite, but Justin Allgaier has been very good at Phoenix and overall. Going to be a fun race.
The Xfinity-era series champions, sans Allgaier, give the command for Xfinity’s final race as the title sponsor for the series.
Daniel Dye, Justin Bonsignore to the rear
Daniel Dye (backup car) and Justin Bonsignore (unapproved adjustments) will move to the rear of the field before the start of the race.
Brandon Jones on the pole; full NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race starting lineup
Here’s where every playoff driver is starting on Saturday:
4. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
6. Jesse Love, No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
14. Carson Kvapil, No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Find the full starting lineup here.
NASCAR race radio coverage: How to listen to NASCAR Xfinity race at Phoenix
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race will be aired on the radio by the Motor Racing Network. MRN has affiliates all across the country, and their feed can also be streamed on NASCAR.com as well as the NASCAR app. The race can also be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.
NASCAR Xfinity Phoenix race TV schedule, start time
Green Flag Time: Approx. 6:40 p.m. CT Saturday
Track: Phoenix Raceway (1-mile oval) in Avondale, Arizona
Length: 200 laps, 200 miles
Stages: 45 laps, 45 laps, 110 laps
TV coverage: CW Network
Radio: MRN
Streaming: FUBO (free trial available; in limited markets); NASCAR.com and SiriusXM for audio (subscription required)
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix will be broadcast nationally on the CW Network. Streaming options for the race include FUBO in limited markets nationwide, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Dennis Hamlin, father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, died Sunday night at the age of 75 from injuries sustained in a house fire at the family’s home. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services issued a press release stating that first responders were dispatched to the home in the Stanley community at 6:19 p.m. ET. They arrived eight minutes later and found the residence engulfed in flames. There were two occupants discovered outside the home who were transported to a nearby hospital.
Dennis Hamlin later died at the hospital. Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where officials said she is “actively being treated.”
Denny Hamlin’s parents were instrumental in helping him pursue his career in NASCAR. In 2006, he signed with Joe Gibbs Racing and has claimed 60 Cup Series wins with the team.
He dedicated his victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to his father.
“He’s the one that got me into racing,” Hamlin said, “He just took me to a racetrack when I was 5 and then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times, just tried to keep it all going. I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me.”
Due to extensive damage, the cause of the fire has not been determined as the investigation continues.
NASCAR issued the following statement on Dec. 30: “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
Natalie Decker and her husband, Derek Lemke, are embracing life as new parents, spending the holiday season between Christmas and New Year focused on family while keeping one eye firmly on the road back to NASCAR. Decker last took the green flag in August 2025 at Daytona, where she finished 22nd, marking her return to competition months after welcoming their son in February. While she is currently savoring motherhood and marriage, another long-held ambition remains front and center, one she shares with her husband and intends to chase down.
A year ago, during an interview with Frontstretch, Decker sat down with Wyatt Watson ahead of her second career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and laid out several personal goals. She spoke about a dream partnership with Bikini Zone, highlighted the importance of promoting sponsorship alongside her family, reflected on married life, and opened up about a shared vision with Lemke, which is lining up against him on the racetrack.
As Decker put it, “That’s literally our goal and dream. We talk about that daily. So here’s the thing: Derek has never beaten me. We talk about that all the time.” She explained that the two have raced each other only a handful of times so far, but they plan to settle the score properly by competing head-to-head in either a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race or an Xfinity Series event in the near future.
The intention, she said, is “We have to make it happen, and then we can then determine who is better after that race.”
When discussing married life, Decker shared that very little has changed beyond the wedding bands now on their fingers. Their lives, she noted, had already been connected long before the ceremony. Once Lemke was fully committed to supporting her racing career, they immediately approached everything as a team.
Decker added that they have been together for more than eight years (now over nine), and married for some time, and she finds it deeply fulfilling. For the 28-year-old, one of the highlights of getting married was celebrating alongside friends and family, hosting a large gathering that turned into an unforgettable occasion.
In 2025, Decker also joined a select group of women who returned to NASCAR competition after becoming mothers.
Beyond Shawna Robinson, one of only 17 women to start a NASCAR Cup Series race, who had two children in the late 1990s before competing in 21 races across NASCAR’s three national divisions between 2001 and 2005, drivers such as Sara Christian, Jessica Friesen, Tina Gordon, Ethel Mobley, Alli Owens, and Kelly Sutton also raced after entering motherhood.
Backed by sponsorship from Wawa, Decker drove the #92 DGM Racing Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Daytona International Speedway, and might be ready to do that in 2026 as well.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand’s New Year honors list.
“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them,” Dixon said. “That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue … You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”
Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.
Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.
“Sir Scott is a hero to young New Zealand motor sport fans and his work fundraising for children’s charities is invaluable,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.
Dixon won karting titles in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the United States where he raced in Indy Lights and CART series before moving to IndyCar in 2003.
Dixon has had 23 consecutive seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar with 58 wins and 142 podium finishes from 380 starts. He has started 32 times from pole position and won the championship in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
“It’s all about outside racing giving back to the community and the partnerships you make away from the track and causes you get involved in,” Dixon said.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
One of the Southeast’s biggest early-season pavement events is taking shape, as SpeedFest 2026 at Cordele Motor Speedway announces that tickets are now on sale. Fans can secure their spot for the two-day racing festival at a discounted rate by purchasing in advance.
General Admission Tickets:
SpeedFest returns Friday–Saturday, January 23-24, 2026, featuring a powerful lineup headlined by the ASA Southern Super Series presented by Sunoco Super Late Models and the Southern Pro Series Pro Late Models. Also joining the weekend will be INEX Legends and Bandoleros, bringing a mix of national talent and rising young stars to Crisp Motorsports Park.
Friday, January 23 will include practice and qualifying for all four divisions, setting the stage for an action-packed Saturday afternoon. Feature racing begins at 1 PM on Saturday, January 24. Teams will also have the option to participate in an open test session Thursday, January 22 from 12:00–4:00 PM.
Online entries are now open for both Super Late Models and Pro Late Models, with early entries starting to come in.
Weekend Schedule Overview
Thursday – January 22, 2026 • Optional Open Test: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Friday – January 23, 2026 • Practice & Qualifying for All Classes
Saturday – January 24, 2026 • Feature Events Begin at 1:00 PM
SpeedFest has long served as a season-opening measuring stick for short track racers, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be no different. Fans can expect a blend of powerhouse Super Late Model talent, hungry Pro Late Model contenders, a strong regional and national presence, and the next generation of racers in Legends and Bandoleros.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems, said a IHRA news release.
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With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex, said the news release.
Owner of the International Hot Rod Association, Darryl Cuttell said Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing.
“It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations,” said Cuttell.
The dragstrip is seen at Heartland Motorsports Park on May 3, 2023.
What is IHRA’s vision for Heartland Motorsports Park?
The IHRA plans to restore Heartland Motorsports Park as a destination for racing, music and community. Those plans include redevelopment for year-round efforts that extend beyond competition weekends which involve the following:
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Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities.
Expanded motorsports and special event programming.
Live music, concerts, and festival experiences.
Enhanced hospitality, vendor and fan-experience areas.
Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact.
“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell said. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
When will renovations begin?
Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules and community partnerships expected in the coming months, said the news release.
Heartland previously owned by Kansas City Missouri company
A Kansas City, Missouri-based company called Topeka 77 LLC, had purchased in September the Topeka properties that formerly were the site of Heartland Motorsports Park.
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The company registered a deed for those 28 parcels with Shawnee County while giving its mailing address as 2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700. That is the same address as 145-year-old Kessinger, Hunter & Co., LC, the oldest commercial development company in Kansas City, Missouri, which says on its website that it operates $2 billion worth of real estate and has 200 associates, The Capital-Journal previously reported.
Topeka 77 paid Shawnee County — under protest — $3,402,313.05 in outstanding property taxes owed by the company that sold it the property, Chris Payne’s Raymore, Missouri-based Shelby Development, LLC, said former Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports
International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park. The deal closed on December 23, 2025.
The track first opened in the 1980’s. The complex features a drag strip, 1.77-mile road course as well as a 0.75-mile tri-oval short track.
The IHRA recently announced a new short track racing series. Their season finale is scheduled at Memphis Motorsports Park.
IHRA announces short track series
The facility is set to become “a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.”
IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell
“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA.
“This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
IHRA President Leah Martin
“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA.
“It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
Daniel Horton Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series.
“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series.
“Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won.”
“We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young
“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future. IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis.
Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills
“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government.
“This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.”
Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce
“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.
“This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”
