The NASCAR Xfinity Series rides into Texas, for the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the America’s. Here is everything you need to know before they attempt the first road course race of 2025.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 Preview:
For the fifth year, NASCAR’s Xfinity Series heads to Austin, Texas for the Focused Health 250. But for the first time since NASCAR has started running at the track, it will utilize the short course. Taking nearly a mile off the length of the full course means anyone has a chance to tame the road course.
Kyle Larson wins the #NASCAR Xfinity Series race at COTA! pic.twitter.com/pbGcwYCDji
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 23, 2024
Race Preview:
The Focused Health 250 is a 250-mile, 65-lap race around the 2.41-mile National circuit at Circuit of the America’s. The first two stages are 20 laps and the final stage is 25 laps. Currently, A.J. Allmendinger is the winningest driver at the track, with two wins in 2022 and 2023, with Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch also holding wins in the Xfinity Series at the track.
Xfinity Series Points Standings:
Here are the current Top Ten in the points standings for the Xfinity Series:
1. Austin Hill: 84
2. Sheldon Creed: 83
3. Jesse Love: 78
4. Justin Allgaier: 76
5. Jeb Burton: 66
6. Harrison Burton: 61
7. Jeremy Clements: 55
8. Sam Mayer: 53
9. Carson Kvapil*: 53
10. Matt DiBenedetto: 51
*Rookie
The Track: Circuit of the Americas
Built in 2011, the Circuit of the Americas is an FIA-grade 3.4-mile road course outside of Austin, TX. Designed to incorporate aspects of other great F1 circuits around the world, with corners taking inspiration from Yas Marina, Bahrain, and Fuji Speedways. Known for its massive elevation change in turn 1 and nearly mile-long back straight.
New in 2025, NASCAR will race the National Circuit, a 2.41-mile course, designed to help shorten the length of caution laps. The drivers will now take a left turn at 6a, cut through the infield, and a right at 6b onto the back straight.
A new challenge awaits in the Lone Star State. pic.twitter.com/acpVAnKgiT
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2025
Drivers to Watch:
The Xfinity Series field is full of talented road racers for the race at COTA. Ross Chastain is in the field, driving the #9 Chevy for JR Motorsports. He has won in the Cup Series at COTA in 2022. Keep your eye on him during the race. Corey Heim, Truck Series winner in 2024 is making his first start on a road course in the Xfinity Series, in a Sam Hunt Racing Toyota with help from 23XI. He has two wins on road courses in the Truck Series, COTA, and Mid-Ohio. But there is one other driver in the field that is an almost lock for the win.
Connor Zilisch. First time at COTA in a Truck, he set a new track record and won the pole. His first time at Watkins Glen in an Xfinity Car, he won the race. Connor Zilisch is the favorite to win this race and is even highly favored to win the Cup race on Sunday.
READ MORE: Connor Zilisch to make Cup Series Debut at COTA, Red Bull Returns as a Sponsor
How to Watch the Xfinity Series at Circuit of America’s:
The Focused Health 250 begins Friday, February 28th. Practice and Qualifying begin at 5:00 PM Eastern, and TV coverage is provided by the CW. The race is Saturday, March 1st at 2:30 PM Eastern, again on the CW.
Stay connected to Last Word on Sports for all the headlines from the Xfinity Series, Focused Health 250, from Circuit of the America’s.
Featured Image Credit: IMAGO / Sipa USA. 03/23/2024
