The Complete 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Full-Time Driver Roster (So Far)
What’s Happening? The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season isn’t here quite yet. However, multiple drivers and teams have confirmed their plans…
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As the Silly Season Domino’s continue to fall late into the year, one thing was very clear about the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The rookie class may be one of the best we’ve seen in a long time.
What’s Happening? The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season isn’t here quite yet. However, multiple drivers and teams have confirmed their plans…
When looking at the top drivers in this class, their careers in and out of the touring level of NASCAR amass wins and championships across the U.S.
ARCA Wins: 37
Truck Series Wins: 11
Xfinity Series Wins: 1
Championships: 7 Series; 2 Major Races
While there are underdog series rookies, like OUR Motorsport’s Kris Wright, those top rookies headed to major teams are in the spotlight next season. Those top drivers in top rides in this rookie class include both drivers coming off part-time schedules and full-time Truck Series schedules.
Those coming for their first full-time NASCAR National Series season include JR Motorsports Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch and Joe Gibbs Racing’s William Sawalich.
Kvapil is a second-generation driver who proved himself part-time with JRM last season. Zilisch, who also entered the No. 88 part-time, took the world by storm, dominating in his series debut and winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona last February. He battled William Sawalich in the ARCA Menards Series all season long; Sawalich has dominated that series since 2023, taking home two ARCA East titles in the meantime.
When you look at the truck series drivers moving up, it’s a proverbial who’s who of 2024 standouts. First, McAnally–Hilgemann Racing teammates Christian Eckes and Daniel Dye get the call to Kaulig Racing. Eckes is coming off one of the best Truck Series seasons in the year, finishing in the top ten in 22 of 23 races. Fellow Chevrolet standout and former ARCA Champion Nick Sanchez joins them with fellow ECR-powered team Big Machine Racing.
What’s Happening? Multiple sources have confirmed to the Daily Downforce that Dean Thompson will be promoted to the NASCAR Xfinity Series…
Finally, Toyota cleaned the house at TRICON Garage, giving promotions to Dean Thompson and Taylor Gray. Thompson has yet to announce his plans; however, last month, sources confirmed to the Daily Downforce that Thompson’s deal with Sam Hunt Racing is for sure. Gray will race in the No. 54 for JGR alongside Sawalich.
When it comes to proving yourself, Carson Kvapil knows what it’s like to make it to the top. The newest addition to JRM’s legendary halls, Kvapil won three CARS Tour Championships before getting his first shot in the series. While fans may not doubt his skill, he will have a lot to prove against these rookies and his new veteran peers in 2025.
Now and then, fans feel there is a driver who gets called to the next level without proving their worth at a lower level. Be that age, talent, or stats, fans feel like these drivers may be speaking with their wallets more than their abilities.
These three drivers had no wins in their combined 172 Truck Series starts. While some fans may comment about drivers they feel are more deserving, one or all of these drivers, with the right support, could prove everyone wrong in 2025.
Each has come close to a win, and, in the case of Gray and Dye, they made solid runs in the Truck Series Playoffs in 2024. For example, a bump and run at Martinsville from Christian Eckes perhaps kept Taylor Gray out of the 2024 Championship Four.
These four drivers are winners; they have a history of doing so. Sanchez and Eckes are veteran winners in the Truck Series, while Zillisch and Sawalich will make the bold jump from full-time ARCA Menards Series East competition.
When they are full-time, all of their histories disappear, and fans and insiders will view them based on how they do in the Xfinity Series’ here and now. Resumes and trophy cases aside, all of these drivers have to prove they are ready for the next level next season.
What’s Happening? Kaulig Racing has added another piece to the 2025 puzzle. Ty Norris, a longtime NASCAR Executive, is heading to…
While it’s easy to pick one of the top names for a Rookie of the Year win next November, the Xfinity Series has proven to bring out overlooked or unexpected talent in the past.
The group of winless Truck Series drivers, Dean Thompson, Daniel Dye, and Taylor Gray, might be the ones to watch out for next season. Each driver has made starts in the Xfinity Series, and Gray, in particular, who has 13 starts, seems to have a feel for the car. Furthermore, Dye and Thompson are headed to growing and ambitious teams in Sam Hunt Racing and Kaulig Racing. Even more interesting, each of these drivers Xfinity Series starts came with their respective team, establishing comfort and a history in their new homes.
Whether they win Rookie of the Year or not, one or multiple drivers from this bunch could have a breakout year with their teams.
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