As the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicks off at Daytona, teams and drivers are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling year of competition. With a mix of rising stars, veteran drivers, and surprising moves, the offseason has been filled with major roster shakeups. Here’s a look at the most notable changes heading into the new season.
Major Driver Moves & Team Changes
Harrison Burton Joins Xfinity Full-Time
One of the biggest storylines of the offseason was Harrison Burton’s move to the Xfinity Series full-time after two seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series. Burton lands with a competitive ride, hoping to revive his career and contend for wins. His return to the Xfinity level puts him in a strong position to regain momentum after a challenging Cup stint.
Connor Zilisch Gets a Part-Time Xfinity Shot
Highly touted prospect Connor Zilisch will make his Xfinity Series debut in 2025, running a part-time schedule with a top-tier team. The young driver, known for his road course expertise, has impressed in lower series and could be a name to watch throughout the season.
Rafa Matos Joins the Xfinity Grid
Brazilian driver Rafa Matos is making the jump to NASCAR’s national series, securing a part-time Xfinity ride. Matos, a veteran of sports car racing and open-wheel competition, will bring international experience to the field. His transition will be one of the more intriguing storylines of 2025.
Nick Sanchez Expands His Xfinity Schedule
After strong showings in the Truck Series, Nick Sanchez is increasing his presence in Xfinity. The talented young driver is set to run a more expanded schedule, possibly leading to a full-time Xfinity future.
Jeremy Clements’ 500th Start with New Partner
Longtime Xfinity competitor Jeremy Clements reaches a major milestone in 2025, celebrating his 500th career start with the backing of Henderson Jet Services at COTA. The veteran driver remains one of the sport’s most respected independent racers.
Teams Making Changes
TRICON Garage Expands into Xfinity with Toni Breidinger
TRICON Garage is making a bigger push into the Xfinity Series, fielding a team for Toni Breidinger’s rookie season. Breidinger, transitioning from ARCA and the Truck Series, is set to make history as one of the few women competing full-time in Xfinity.
JR Motorsports Shuffles Its Lineup
JR Motorsports, always a force in the Xfinity Series, has made some adjustments for 2025. With new driver additions and shifting lineups, the powerhouse team looks poised to be a title contender once again.
Other Notable Changes
• Sheldon Creed moves to a new team after his previous season saw ups and downs.
• Chase Briscoe makes select Xfinity starts alongside his Cup duties.
• Michael Jordan’s NASCAR involvement expands, potentially bringing more Xfinity opportunities for 23XI-affiliated drivers.
With all these changes, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. From Cup veterans making their return to rising stars looking to break through, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.
Who will emerge as the dominant force this season? Time will tell, but one thing is certain—fans are in for an exciting ride.
