Scheduled start: 7:30 p.m. ET (green flag approximately 7:50–8:00 p.m. ET)
Venue: Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona
TV/Radio: The CW (primary), ESPN Unlimited/app streaming; MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
This is Race 30 of 33 in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season and a critical Chase (playoff) event in the Round of 8 (or equivalent late-playoff stage). Timberland PRO serves as the entitlement sponsor, highlighting the brand’s partnership with NASCAR focused on protective footwear and the professionals who support the sport.
Track Details
Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile (1.609 km) low-banked asphalt tri-oval, often described as a dogleg oval.
Race distance: 200 laps / 200 miles (≈322 km).
Stages: 45 / 90 / 200.
Layout features: Progressive banking (Turns 1-2 approximately 8–11°, Turns 3-4 similar or slightly higher, frontstretch ~3–9°, backstretch lower). The distinctive dogleg on the backstretch creates unique entry angles into Turn 3, enabling multi-groove racing, passing opportunities, and strategic restarts.
Surface and character: Smooth asphalt that rewards tire management, clean air, and short-run speed. Pit road speed is typically around 45 mph. The configuration favors drivers skilled at the dogleg and late-race restarts.
Weather Conditions
Forecasts for Avondale/Phoenix on race day call for mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies with a high near 80–82°F (27–28°C) and a low around 66–68°F. East winds of 10–15 mph (gusts up to 25 mph) are expected, making conditions breezy. There is a slight (10–30%) chance of showers, primarily later in the evening or overnight, but the race window is expected to remain largely dry. Teams will monitor any wind impact on handling and potential for light precipitation that could affect track temperature or strategy.
Entry List and Key Drivers
Approximately 38 cars are entered (full field expected). Notable Chase contenders and strong performers include:
Sheldon Creed (#00)
Jesse Love (#2)
Corey Day (#17)
Justin Allgaier (#7)
Carson Kvapil (#1)
Sam Mayer (#41)
Taylor Gray (#54)
Austin Hill (#21)
Others such as Sammy Smith, Parker Retzlaff, Brandon Jones, Rajah Caruth, plus part-timers and independents (e.g., Connor Mosack, Will Rodgers, Leland Honeyman Jr.).
Practice is scheduled for the early afternoon (around 1–2 p.m. ET range in listings), followed by single-car qualifying.
Driver Matchups and Championship Context
The Chase standings entering the weekend are extremely tight at the top:
Sheldon Creed leads with 2,294 points.
Jesse Love sits just 2 points behind (2,292).
Corey Day is 7 back (2,287).
Justin Allgaier is 15 back (2,279).
Carson Kvapil is 40 back, with Sam Mayer, Taylor Gray, and Austin Hill further in contention.
Key battles include Creed vs. Love for the points lead, Allgaier’s consistency and stage-point potential, and Day’s recent momentum (strong recent wins). Phoenix’s dogleg and restart-heavy nature often produce close racing among the elite cars from JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Haas Factory Team, and others. Strategy around tire wear and clean air will be decisive.
Recent Driver Forms
Sheldon Creed: Points leader with strong consistency and multiple wins this season.
Jesse Love: Extremely close in points; strong short-track and intermediate results.
Corey Day: Multiple recent victories and high laps-led totals; strong playoff form.
Justin Allgaier: Veteran consistency, frequent stage wins, and high top-5/top-10 rate.
Carson Kvapil / Sam Mayer / Taylor Gray / Austin Hill: Solid playoff performers capable of winning or collecting big points.
Recent races (including Charlotte) have shown Day and others capitalizing on late charges, while the top of the standings remains a multi-driver dogfight.
Race History at Phoenix
Phoenix has a long history in the O’Reilly/Xfinity Series as both a regular-season and championship venue. The 1-mile dogleg layout typically produces competitive racing with frequent lead changes, cautions, and strategy plays. Past events have favored drivers who excel at tire management and restarts. The track’s unique geometry often rewards those who master the dogleg entry.
Betting Trends
Trends at Phoenix favor drivers with prior success on the dogleg oval, strong qualifying, and teams that manage tires well over 200 laps. Stage points are especially valuable in the Chase.
Driver Odds
Justin Allgaier + 300
Jesse Love + 450
Carson Kvapil + 500
Sheldon Creed + 800
Corey Day + 800
Brent Crews + 1000
Sam Mayer + 1400
Taylor Gray + 1500
Austin Hill + 1500
Brandon Jones + 1800
Sammy Smith + 2000
Rajah Caruth + 2800
William Sawalich + 3000
Ryan Sieg + 5000
Parker Retzlaff + 5000
Jake Finch + 5000
Harrison Burton + 6500
Anthony Alfredo + 7000
Jeremy Clements + 10000
Connor Mosack + 10000
Austin Green + 10000
Leland Honeyman Jr. + 15000
Andrew Patterson + 20000
Jeb Burton + 25000
Dean Thompson + 30000
Patrick Staropoli + 50000
Ryan Ellis + 70000
Brennan Poole + 70000
Blaine Perkins + 70000
Kyle Sieg + 90000
Josh Bilicki + 90000
Will Rodgers + 100000
Lavar Scott + 100000
Joey Gase + 100000
Garrett Smithley + 100000
Dawson Cram + 100000
Brad Perez + 100000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 16, 2026
