The NASCAR Xfinity Series rolled into World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on Friday evening. This set the stage for the highly anticipated Nu-Way 200.
The 1.25-mile oval, with its tight turns and tricky braking zones, pushed drivers to the limit, demanding speed, precision, and flawless execution at every lap. By the end of practice, it was Sam Mayer who laid down the fastest lap of the night, stopping the clock at 33.375 seconds with an average speed of 134.831 miles per hour, according to Toby Christie.
Mayer’s performance wasn’t just fast, it was sharp, confident, and commanding. He looked smooth through entry and strong on exits, his lap the kind that makes the garage buzz with attention.
Sam Mayer Leads the Way
Just behind Mayer, Jesse Love showed why so many see him as a rising star. His lap was only a fraction slower, proof that he’s ready to contend under pressure.
Carson Kvapil wasn’t far off either, sliding into third and continuing to show he belongs in conversations about the future of the sport. Together, the trio created a fascinating snapshot of youth at the front, each of them eager to take the fight to more experienced names.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice also revealed plenty from the veterans who have been through the grind before. Justin Allgaier and Aric Almirola both found their way into the top ten, proving that experience and race management still matter when the laps start to pile up.
Matt DiBenedetto, another seasoned driver, also logged a strong run, reminding fans that the old guard isn’t quite ready to hand over the keys to the next generation.
Young Guns vs. Veterans
The youth movement was impossible to miss. Connor Zilisch cracked the top five, his pace showing that he’s capable of matching Mayer and Love stride for stride. Christian Eckes and William Sawalich were close behind, keeping themselves in position to strike when the race gets underway.
These drivers bring a fearless energy, unafraid to push their cars to the limit. At a place like WWTR, where bold moves can make or break a race, that mentality could be the difference between a top finish and a tough night.
Still, practice reminded everyone that things can flip quickly once race day arrives. Drivers like Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill didn’t crack the top five, but both are known for their ability to step up when it matters.
World Wide Technology Raceway is a track that evolves during a run, and setups that look average in practice often come alive after adjustments and pit strategy. That unpredictability is part of the intrigue. Practice shows who’s fast, but not necessarily who’s built for 200 miles of elbows-out racing.
What to Watch in the NASCAR Xfinity Series
The weekend isn’t just about speed; it’s also about the stakes. NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass noted that the purse for the WWTR Gateway weekend is significant, with the Xfinity Series payout at $1,651,939 and nearly $9.8 million on the line for the Cup Series.
Beyond immediate winnings, the event also feeds into year-end points funds and charter payouts, adding extra weight to every lap. For drivers and teams, this weekend is about more than pride; it’s about meaningful dollars and long-term positioning.
Heading into the Nu-Way 200, the picture is clear: Mayer is fast, Love and Kvapil are close, and the veterans aren’t going anywhere quietly. The question now is whether Mayer can turn practice pace into race-day dominance, or if experience and strategy will prevail once the green flag waves.
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