Xfinity Series
Where tomorrow's Cup stars are made — 33 races, fierce competition, and a direct path to NASCAR's top tier.
View 2027 ScheduleSeries Overview
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is the second tier of NASCAR's national series ladder, serving as the primary proving ground for drivers aspiring to reach the Cup Series. Founded in 1982 as the NASCAR Busch Series, it has carried several title sponsor names over the decades — most recently rebranded as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026.
The series runs a 33-race schedule that closely mirrors the Cup Series calendar, often racing on the same weekend at the same tracks. This gives fans double the action and drivers a chance to log extra laps at venues they'll compete on in NASCAR's premier series.
The Xfinity Series has launched the careers of some of NASCAR's biggest names — Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, and more recently Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell all cut their teeth here before moving up to Cup competition.
2026 Season Recap
Cole Custer
No. 00 Ford
Stewart-Haas Racing — 2nd career Xfinity title
Cole Custer put together a dominant 2026 campaign, winning four times in the regular season and twice during the Chase to claim his second Xfinity Series championship. His consistency throughout the postseason proved the difference over a hard-charging Austin Hill.
Most Wins
Season Highlights
Cole Custer won the Daytona opener to set the tone for a wire-to-wire championship campaign
Austin Hill led the regular-season standings for 14 consecutive weeks before Custer surged late
Sheldon Creed swept both road course events at Watkins Glen and Sonoma
Sam Mayer earned his first career win at Bristol in a dramatic overtime finish
The series debuted at Naval Base Coronado, drawing record attendance for a street circuit event
The Chase Format
The Xfinity Series Chase mirrors the Cup Series postseason structure — a 10-race playoff that begins at Richmond in September and concludes with the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November.
Round of 12
3 races
Richmond, Watkins Glen, Kansas
Twelve drivers enter the Chase. Three races to prove your worth — four are eliminated at the end of the round.
Round of 8
3 races
Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix
Eight drivers remain. Race wins lock you into the next round. Four more are cut heading to the finale.
Round of 4
3 races
Talladega, Martinsville, Homestead (R1)
The final four battle it out. Every point and every position matters as the championship comes into view.
Championship Race
1 races
Homestead-Miami Speedway
The highest finisher among the final four drivers is crowned the Xfinity Series champion.
A race win during the Chase automatically advances that driver to the next round, regardless of points standing.
Where to Watch
The entire 2027 Xfinity Series season airs on a single broadcast partner, making it easy to follow every race from Daytona to Homestead.
Feb – Nov
All 33 races including the Daytona opener, Chase races, and the championship at Homestead
Drivers to Watch
A mix of proven Xfinity veterans, Cup Series regulars making guest appearances, and the next wave of NASCAR talent.
Cole Custer
Stewart-Haas Racing
Ford
Reigning 2x champion. The man to beat heading into 2027.
Austin Hill
Richard Childress Racing
Chevrolet
5 wins in 2026. Runner-up in the championship. Hungry for the title.
Sheldon Creed
Joe Gibbs Racing
Toyota
Road course specialist. Swept Watkins Glen and Sonoma in 2026.
Sam Mayer
JR Motorsports
Chevrolet
First career win at Bristol in 2026. One of the series' brightest young talents.
John Hunter Nemechek
NEMCO Motorsports
Toyota
3 wins in 2026. Consistent front-runner with championship pedigree.
Chandler Smith
Kaulig Racing
Chevrolet
Rising star with raw speed. Expected to challenge for wins in 2027.
2027 Schedule Preview
Start times will be added as confirmed. Chase races marked with ★. All races air on The CW.
United Rentals 300
Daytona International Speedway
Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250
EchoPark Speedway
Race name TBD
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Race name TBD
Daytona International Speedway
Race name TBD
Darlington Raceway
Championship Race
Homestead-Miami Speedway