NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Standings updated after Bristol

The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs have begun after tonight’s race at Bristol and the points have shifted a bit. One race in, the driver’s championship went without a race winner tonight. Aric Almirola advanced in the owner’s championship, though.

Connor Zilisch pushed his lead further in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Standings. He is going to be just fine in this first round, and even if he doesn’t win a race, he will likely advance comfortably.

Outside of the top three drivers in the standings, everyone else is on edge. There are drivers who have to be at their best for the next two races, or they will be eliminated after the Roval.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Standings:
Connor Zilisch: +85
Justin Allgaier: +53
Sam Mayer: +35
Carson Kvapil: +16
Harrison Burton: +9
Brandon Jones: +8
Sheldon Creed: +7
Taylor Gray: +3
Nick Sanchez: -3
Jesse Love: -3
Austin Hill: -16
Sammy Smith: -24

Tonight’s race was more or less fine for most of the Xfinity Series Playoff drivers. Jesse Love and Sammy Smith finished P25 and P37. They were by far the worst-performing playoff drivers. With two races left in the Round of 12, no one is out of it yet and no one is 100% safe.

Aric Almirola wins NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol

The win streak comes to an end for Connor Zilisch as Aric Almirola gets the win in the Xfinity Series Playoff race at Bristol. Almirola was fast all night, and the NASCAR veteran capitalized when the door opened.

Aric Almirola didn’t lead the most laps tonight. He only had to lead 34 to get the job done. The 19 car had J.D. Gibbs’ name on the namerail this weekend, making this win a little more special.

This is the second win for Almirola this season. He was able to use his long run speed to gamble and stay out on tires. Every time Almirola steps in the 19 car in the Xfinity Series, he’s a threat to win. He got it done tonight.

Sheldon Creed finishes P2 for the 15th time in his career. Still, no win.

This is the first win for Aric Almirola since Phoenix back in March. He has had some struggles. DNFs at Talladega, Indianapolis, and Daytona had this 19-team on rocky footing. Now, in the playoffs for the owner’s championship, Almirola advances to the next round early and is on his way to having a deep run.