Rookie Connor Zilisch secured his 10th victory of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity season on Sunday at the Roval, leading most laps after starting from pole position. The race concluded under caution on the final lap after Alex Labbe and Brennan Poole collided, but officials determined Sammy Smith had claimed the eighth playoff position by one point over Taylor Gray.
Smith advanced to the Round of 8 as Gray joined Austin Hill, Nick Sanchez, and Harrison Burton in playoff elimination. Burton encountered mechanical failure earlier in the race, while Sanchez received a penalty that damaged his championship prospects.
The race featured multiple incidents, and a late caution triggered by Sage Karam forced overtime. Several drivers pitted for fresh tires, but Smith remained in contention and moved into the top five as the final laps approached.
Zilisch maintained control through two stages despite strategic tire decisions by competitors. The Charlotte driver celebrated his double-digit win total in his first Xfinity season as the playoff field narrowed ahead of the championship rounds.
Smith advanced to the Round of 8 as Gray joined Austin Hill, Nick Sanchez, and Harrison Burton in playoff elimination. Burton encountered mechanical failure earlier in the race, while Sanchez received a penalty that damaged his championship prospects.
The race featured multiple incidents, and a late caution triggered by Sage Karam forced overtime. Several drivers pitted for fresh tires, but Smith remained in contention and moved into the top five as the final laps approached.
Zilisch maintained control through two stages despite strategic tire decisions by competitors. The Charlotte driver celebrated his double-digit win total in his first Xfinity season as the playoff field narrowed ahead of the championship rounds.
