NASCAR Xfinity 500 preview: Favorite, underdog, top storylines

Published: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 4:13 am

NASCAR Xfinity 500 Preview: Championship Hopes on the Line

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway this Sunday for the Xfinity 500, the penultimate race of the 2025 season. The half-mile track will host a crucial event, with the Championship 4 spots on the line.

Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, is the favorite to win, according to DraftKings. Blaney must win to advance to the Championship 4. He has a strong track record at Martinsville, having won the last two fall races there. However, he faces a challenge, starting the race from 31st place.

Bubba Wallace is considered an underdog. He showed promising speed in practice and is a former Martinsville winner in the NASCAR Truck Series. Wallace finished third at Martinsville earlier this year and aims to disrupt the playoff contenders' chances.

The primary focus of the race is the postseason battle. Six drivers are vying for the two remaining spots in the Championship 4. Four of those drivers – Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron, and Chase Elliott – need a victory on Sunday to advance. If one of these drivers wins, the final spot will be determined by a points battle between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson, who are separated by a single point.

Practice sessions revealed mixed fortunes for the frontrunners. While Blaney and Logano were considered favorites, their Penske Fords didn't demonstrate the dominant speed expected. In contrast, Hendrick Motorsports showed strength in qualifying. William Byron secured the pole position, with Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott starting in third and eighth, respectively. With all three Hendrick drivers needing strong performances to advance, their starting positions offer a significant advantage.

BNN's Perspective: The Xfinity 500 promises an exciting race, with the pressure of the playoffs adding an extra layer of intrigue. The performance of the Hendrick Motorsports cars in qualifying suggests they are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity. While Blaney's past success at Martinsville makes him a strong contender, his starting position could prove to be a significant hurdle. The race is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with the potential for upsets and a dramatic conclusion to the Championship 4 battle.

Keywords: NASCAR, Xfinity 500, Martinsville Speedway, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, Championship 4, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Playoff, Racing, Motorsports, Sports

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