NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Odds: Joe Gibbs Racing Adding Taylor Gray To 2025 Stable; Bubba Pollard ‘Thrilled’ With 2nd Chance

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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 17, 2024

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xfinity enter round of 8 odds (1)

Joe Gibbs Racing announced an addition to its NASCAR Xfinity Series driver stable and welcomed another pilot back into the fold. 

The Huntersville, N.C.-based franchise signed driver Taylor Gray and re-signed Brandon Jones to full-time deals for next season. Gray will assume command of the No. 54 Toyota that Cup driver Ty Gibbs will own.  

As a Truck Series rookie, Gray, 19, qualified for the Round of 8 after collecting seven top-five finishes and 11 top-10s. He earned a P3 during his Xfinity debut at Richmond Raceway in March. 

“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” Gray said via press release. “I feel like I have learned a lot in the races I have ran this year and we can build on that next season.” 

Jones drove for JGR from 2018-22 and has spent the last two seasons with JR Motorsports.  

While circuit betting favorite Chandler Smith has yet to agree to extend a deal with JGR, the organization has openings for two additional drivers. With the circuit scheduled to compete in Saturday’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Smith held odds of +175 to claim the Xfinity title.

Late Model Champion Bubba Pollard Gets 2nd Xfinity Series Ride 

Bubba Pollard is getting a second chance to compete at the Xfinity Series level. 

The 37-year-old veteran driver made his circuit debut earlier this season, finishing P6 at Richmond Raceway in March. Pollard is slated to pilot the No. 26 Toyota for Sam Hunt Racing at Martinsville Speedway on Nov. 2. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity,” Pollard said, as reported by NASCAR.com. “I really enjoyed the experience racing at Richmond earlier this season. I’m excited to be back in an Xfinity car and can’t wait to hit the track again.” 

A veteran of late model racing, Pollard, a short-track ace, has compiled 15 series titles. 

“There’s nothing more fulfilling than going to the track with true racers, and Bubba is exactly that,” said Sam Hunt, owner of the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization. “He’s not only a true racer, but a great person who respects and appreciates the effort and sacrifice that goes into each race.” 

NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Odds  

With the NASCAR Xfinity Series scheduled to race Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, here is a look at the circuit’s championship odds, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:

Driver NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Odds
Chandler Smith +175
Cole Custer +250
Justin Allgaier +475
Austin Hill +575
Jesse Love +1000
Sam Mayer +1400
AJ Allmendinger +2200
Sammy Smith +3300

*-Odds current at time of publication