NASCAR

Sportsbook Tabs Emerging Rivals Cole Custer, Chandler Smith With Top NASCAR Xfinity Series Title Odds

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Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published5 hours ago on October 02, 2024

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NASCAR Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Kansas

During the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ postseason-opening event, Cole Custer and Chandler Smith battled for track position at Kansas Speedway last Saturday. 

Tempers flared between the two betting favorites to capture the circuit title.

As Custer and Smith grappled for the lead, veteran Aric Almirola snatched the Kansas Lottery 300 victory. Custer, who placed P2, confronted Smith for his actions along Turn 4, suggesting he competed like a “#*%&ing clown.” 

“I was to his outside and he just put me in the fence,” Custer said, as reported by NASCAR.com. 

Smith conceded he executed an aggressive move, but wanted to review the film. 

“I would be just as frustrated,” Smith said. “I moved up (and) I took his air away and took his line away for 10 or so laps there trying to hold him up as long as I can, trying to give me the best shot. Was hoping I could hold him off long enough to the 20 got to him and they started racing. I got some breathing room but I was like a lap or two short from doing that. The 20 just got to him. So, yeah, it sucks. I understand his frustration. Last week, I was frustrated with some things about Bristol and I completely get it. I understand his point of view. I definitely didn’t put him in the fence.” 

The emerging Custer-Smith rivalry could be an interesting postseason side-story, beginning with Saturday’s United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. Both Custer and Smith carry +250 odds to win the series title, according to BetOnline Sportsbook.

Carson Kvapil Gets Xfinity Series Call 

NASCAR Xfinity Series driving prospect Carson Kvapil received the call he’d been working – and waiting – for. JR Motorsports announced it signed Kvapil to pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet full-time next season. 

Kvapil will take over Same Mayer, who will drive the No. 41 Ford for Haas Factory Team in 2025. 

Kvapil debuted strongly for JR Motorsports. In his first two circuit events driving the No. 88 Chevrolet, The 22-year-old Mooresville, N.C., native placed P4 at Martinsville and P2 at Dover. 

In eight Xfinity appearances this season, Kvapil has compiled three top-five finishes and four top-10s. He has led 63 laps. 

Kvapil, who is scheduled to run in all 33 Xfinity events next season, is the son of 2003 Trucks Series champion Travis Kvapil and captured two CARS Late Model Series championships. 

The younger Kvapil recently earned a win in the Late Model Series’ ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville. 

NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Odds  

Here is an early look at the drivers’ odds for capturing the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship odds, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:

Driver NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Championship Odds
Cole Custer  +250
Chandler Smith +250
Justin Allgaier +400
Austin Hill +500
Jesse Love +800
Sam Mayer +1100
Sheldon Creed +1100
Riley Herbst +1200
AJ Allmendinger +2800
Shane van Gisbergen +3300
Sammy Smith +4000
Parker Kligerman +4000

*-Odds current at time of publication

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Author photo
Jeff Hawkins
Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

Get to know Jeff Hawkins better
Author photo
Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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