NASCAR Xfinity Series: Exciting Qualifying Order at Charlotte

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend as teams prepare for a busy schedule. Qualifying for the Xfinity Series will start at 12:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, with coverage available on The CW App.

A total of 40 drivers will compete for just 38 starting spots in the BetMGM 300, making Saturday’s race particularly competitive since two entries will not make the field.

The qualifying order is set based on a metric system using both the previous race finish by owner, weighted at 70%, and the current owner points position, weighted at 30%. This format, explained in detail by NASCAR’s official competition guidelines, requires drivers to be consistent throughout the season to secure a good spot on the grid.

Each driver will take one lap in a single round to set their qualifying time, adding pressure to every attempt.

Austin Dillon leads the top drivers in qualifying with the best metric score of 58.71, driving car No. 13. Dawson Cram, in the No. 74 car, holds the second-best score at 41.91.

Notable names in the field include Sheldon Creed, J.J. Yeley, Ryan Sieg, and Brandon Jones. Series rookies such as Christian Eckes, Dean Thompson, Nick Sanchez, William Sawalich, and Carson Kvapil are also looking to make an impact, indicated by the “#” symbol next to their names.

Some drivers are ineligible for driver points, marked with an “i” in the entry list, such as J.J. Yeley and William Byron, who will compete this weekend. The mix of experienced drivers, rising stars, and road course specialists adds excitement to the lineup. For more on driver eligibility rules, see the NASCAR Rule Book.

Entries like Katherine Legge, Leland Honeyman, Garrett Smithley, and Parker Retzlaff are all in contention, making qualifying highly competitive. You can find the full entry list for Charlotte ahead of the race to see who’s participating.

The full qualifying order will be announced ahead of the BetMGM 300, which begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Fans can follow the action on TV, radio, and satellite broadcast.

The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 for the Truck Series takes place Friday night, followed by the Coca-Cola 600 Cup Series race on Sunday evening, rounding out a full weekend of racing. The Coca-Cola 600 adds another layer of excitement to the weekend’s schedule.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is known for its fast 1.5-mile oval, challenging teams to find the perfect setup. Weather and track conditions can change quickly, adding variables for crews and drivers to manage. Learn more about the track’s history and layout from the Charlotte Motor Speedway official site.

With two cars set to miss the race, every lap in qualifying will be critical as drivers strive to secure a spot in Saturday’s main event.

As the Xfinity Series battle heats up, all eyes will be on Charlotte to see which drivers rise to the challenge and who will be left on the outside after a single, important qualifying run. The pressure is on, and fans are set for another thrilling motorsport weekend.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.