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NASCAR Xfinity Series Preview: North Carolina Education Lottery 250

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Rockingham Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina
Track: 1.017-mile D-shaped oval
Race Distance: 250 laps / 235 miles
Broadcast: The CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

Race Overview

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Rockingham Speedway for the first time since 2004, marking a historic revival of racing at “The Rock.” This event is the 10th race of the 2025 Xfinity Series season and serves as the final round of the Dash 4 Cash prize series, where the highest finisher among Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Brandon Jones will earn a $100,000 bonus.

The track, known for its high tire wear and abrasive surface, will challenge drivers to manage their equipment effectively over the long run. The stage cautions will fall on laps 60 and 120, with the checkered flag waving at lap 250.

Track History & Significance

Rockingham Speedway has a storied past, hosting 78 NASCAR Cup Series races and 42 Xfinity Series events before being removed from the schedule in 2004. Legendary drivers such as Mark Martin (11 wins), Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jamie McMurray have all found success at this venue.

After sitting dormant for nearly a decade, the track underwent a $9 million renovation, including a fresh asphalt surface and upgraded facilities, leading to its return to NASCAR’s national series.

Drivers to Watch

Justin Allgaier

  • Current Xfinity Series points leader with a 395-point total.
  • Has prior experience at Rockingham, competing in the 2008 ARCA Menards Series event.
  • Strong performer on 1-mile tracks, with 15 wins, 86 top-fives, and 158 top-10s in his Xfinity career.

Carson Kvapil

  • Coming off a runner-up finish at Bristol, securing his spot in the Dash 4 Cash finale.
  • Ranked seventh in average running position this season.
  • Tested at Rockingham earlier this year, giving him valuable track time before race day.

Sammy Smith

  • Competing in both the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series this weekend.
  • Qualified for the Dash 4 Cash bonus with a fourth-place finish at Bristol.
  • Has one career win on a 1-mile track, coming at Phoenix in 2023.

Connor Zilisch

  • Making his first Xfinity Series start at Rockingham.
  • Tested at the track alongside Justin Allgaier earlier this year.
  • Has gained 27 positions in the standings over the past seven races, now sitting fifth overall.

Race Strategy & Key Factors

Tire Management

Rockingham’s abrasive surface will lead to significant tire wear, making long-run speed and pit strategy crucial. Teams will need to balance aggressive early racing with conserving tires for the final laps.

Track Position & Restarts

With limited banking, maintaining track position will be vital. Drivers who can capitalize on restarts and stay up front will have the best chance at victory.

Pit Strategy & Fuel Management

The 235-mile distance will require multiple pit stops, and teams must decide whether to short-pit for fresh tires or stretch fuel runs to gain track position.

2025 Rockingham Xfinity Series Odds

Driver                         Odds

Justin Allgaier                                   + 230

Sam Mayer                                         + 550

Kasey Kahne                                      + 650

Connor Zilisch                                   + 700

Austin Hill                                           + 700

Sheldon Creed                                  + 750

Jesse Love                                           + 750

Brandon Jones                                  + 850

Carson Kvapil                                    + 900

Sammy Smith                                    + 1600

Taylor Gray                                         + 2000

Ryan Sieg                                            + 2000

Nicholas Sanchez                             + 4000

Harrison Burton                                + 4500

Christian Eckes                                  + 4500

Justin Bonsignore                            + 7000

William Sawalich                             + 9000

Jeb Burton                                          + 13000

Dean Thompson                               + 17000

Daniel Dye                                          + 25000

Matt DiBenedetto                           + 30000

Brennan Poole                                  + 40000

Anthony Alfredo                              + 40000

Parker Retzlaff                                  + 40000

Kyle Sieg                                              + 50000

Jeremy Clements                             + 60000

Josh Williams                                    + 60000

Greg van Alst                                     + 100000

Garrett Smithley                              + 100000

Dawson Cram                                    + 100000

Blaine Perkins                                   + 100000

Austin Green                                     + 100000

Vicente Salas                                     + 100000

Thomas Annunziata                        + 100000

Ryan Ellis                                             + 100000

Patrick Emerling                               + 100000

Kris Wright                                         + 100000

Katherine Legge                               + 100000

Josh Bilicki                                          + 100000

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 18, 2025

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