5 Shocking Off-Season Updates: What To Know About The NASCAR Xfinity Series Today And The New 2026 Season
For fans searching for the "NASCAR Xfinity race today" on this current date, December 23, 2025, the short answer is that the series is currently in its off-season. The high-octane 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series concluded weeks ago with a dramatic Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. While the cars are parked for the holidays, the headlines are anything but quiet, dominated by a major series rebranding and massive driver changes that set the stage for a completely new look in 2026. This article breaks down the 2025 champion, the biggest 'Silly Season' news, and the key dates you need for the upcoming season.
The off-season is often just as exciting as the racing itself, with teams finalizing sponsorships, crew chiefs playing a game of musical chairs, and drivers confirming their rides for the next year. The biggest bombshell came with the announcement of a new series title sponsor for 2026, signaling a fresh era for the second-tier NASCAR division.
The 2025 Season Recap: Jesse Love’s Championship Triumph
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season concluded with a stunning victory for a young star. The Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway was the culmination of a fiercely competitive year, but one name stood out above the rest: Jesse Love.
Jesse Love: The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
- Champion: Jesse Love
- Team: Richard Childress Racing (RCR)
- Winning Move: Love secured the title by making a clutch pass on his close friend and rival, Connor Zilisch, with only 24 laps remaining in the final race.
- Significance: The championship cemented Love's status as one of NASCAR's brightest young talents, delivering a major title to the storied RCR organization.
The final four drivers in the 2025 Playoff Standings delivered one of the most memorable title showdowns in recent history. The battle between Love and Zilisch, in particular, was the talk of the garage all season long.
Other top contenders who made deep runs into the playoffs but ultimately fell short of the Championship Four included veteran Justin Allgaier, who consistently challenged for wins, and rising stars like Carson Kvapil and Austin Hill. The depth of talent in the 2025 field highlighted the series' role as a crucial proving ground for future Cup Series drivers.
Major Changes for 2026: The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Era
The biggest news dominating the current off-season is the official rebranding of the series. Starting in 2026, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This title change marks a significant shift in identity and sponsorship for the division, which has seen several title sponsors over the decades.
The full 2026 schedule has already been released, giving fans and teams plenty of time to prepare for the season opener. The series maintains its commitment to a diverse schedule, featuring a mix of high-speed ovals, challenging road courses, and short tracks that test a driver's mettle.
Key Dates and Venues for the 2026 Season
The 2026 season kicks off in mid-February, a traditional start time that brings the excitement back right after the Super Bowl. Mark your calendars for these essential dates:
- Season Opener: Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway. This is the first official race of the new O'Reilly Auto Parts Series era.
- Early Season Highlights: The schedule quickly moves to tracks like the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and the GOVX 200 at various venues.
- Iconic Venues: Races at classic tracks such as Texas Motor Speedway (Andy's Frozen Custard 340) and Watkins Glen (Mission 200 at The Glen) are scheduled for May.
- The Chase: The Playoffs will once again feature a grueling schedule leading up to the Championship Race, though the final venue and date will be the ultimate target for all competitors.
NASCAR Silly Season: Key Driver and Team Movements
While the new series name is the biggest structural change, the movement of top drivers and teams during the 'Silly Season' is what fuels fan speculation and anticipation for the 2026 campaign. These changes will dramatically reshape the competitive landscape.
Top Off-Season Driver and Team Announcements
The driver market has seen several high-profile moves, confirming new teams and returning veterans to the series:
- Justin Haley's Return: One of the most significant moves is the return of Justin Haley to Kaulig Racing for the 2026 season. Haley previously drove for the organization in both the Xfinity and Cup Series and is expected to be an immediate championship contender.
- AM Racing Rumors: Speculation is high regarding a major overhaul at AM Racing, a team that made the 2025 Playoffs. Any significant changes in their driver or crew chief lineup could have a ripple effect across the garage.
- Zane Smith's Xfinity Future: While some drivers move up, others solidify their place in the Xfinity ranks. Zane Smith, a former NASCAR Free Agent, confirmed his plans for a new Xfinity team, bringing another high-caliber driver into the mix.
- Crew Chief Carousel: Beyond the drivers, the off-season sees a flurry of crew chief changes, a vital element as a new pairing can often unlock a car's full performance potential.
The transfer of talent and personnel is crucial for competitive balance. Teams like Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), and Kaulig Racing are constantly working to secure the best talent, making the off-season a high-stakes chess match.
Topical Authority: 20+ Key Entities Shaping the 2026 Season
To fully grasp the dynamics of the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, it is essential to be familiar with the drivers, teams, and tracks that will define the championship battle. The following entities represent the core of the series' competitive environment:
- Jesse Love (2025 Champion)
- Connor Zilisch (2025 Runner-Up)
- Justin Allgaier (Veteran Contender)
- Austin Hill (Regular Season Threat)
- Carson Kvapil (Rising Star)
- Brandon Jones (Toyota Driver)
- Aric Almirola (Part-Time/Veteran Presence)
- Richard Childress Racing (RCR)
- Kaulig Racing (Haley's New Home)
- Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR)
- JR Motorsports (JRM)
- AM Racing (Silly Season Focus)
- Daytona International Speedway (Season Opener)
- Phoenix Raceway (Championship Venue)
- Texas Motor Speedway (Andy's Frozen Custard 340)
- Pocono Raceway
- Atlanta Motor Speedway
- Chicago Street Race
- O’Reilly Auto Parts (New Title Sponsor)
- The CW (Broadcast Partner)
- Peacock (Streaming Service)
- NASCAR Playoff System
- NASCAR Silly Season
- Crew Chiefs
While there is no NASCAR Xfinity race on the schedule today, December 23, 2025, the anticipation for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is already building. The combination of a new series name, the return of proven veterans like Justin Haley, and the continued ascent of young champions like Jesse Love promises a thrilling season kickoff at Daytona in February. Keep an eye on the latest news throughout the off-season, as the groundwork being laid now will determine who contends for the next championship trophy.
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