Hill holds slim lead over Nemechek in current Xfinity points standings

The 2023 Xfinity Series season’s been a close-fought battle at the top of the championship. Austin Hill and John Hunter Nemechek have provided one of the better NASCAR duels of the season. The two drivers have won nine of 23 events heading into Daytona this weekend. Just nine points separate them in the current Xfinity points standings, but the two and Justin Allgaier have gapped the field over the last couple of months.

Hill, the reigning Xfinity rookie of the year, started strong with three wins in five races. Though he has just one win since then at Pocono, he’s been consistent enough to stay within the top couple of positions. His win in Daytona was an early show of one of the NASCAR duels viewers could enjoy this season. Nemechek took second before winning the second race in Fontana.

While Hill had the majority of his wins early, Nemechek’s been in victory lane more recently. His three wins in the last seven events on the NASCAR 2023 schedule kept him at the top after leading the championship for much of the season. His five wins edge out Hill’s four, with a strong showing in Michigan being his latest triumph.

The two are in front in the current Xfinity points standings, but Allgaier’s remained close throughout. A win from pole in Charlotte may be his only victory this season, but the JR Motorsports drivers finished in the top five another nine times in 2023. That’s the same total top-fives as Nemechek and just two fewer than Hill. Thanks to this, he’s just 25 points back from Nemechek in third place and solidified his spot as a challenger for the championship once again. In the last four seasons, he’s made the top five in the Xfinity Series championship.

For much of 2023, four drivers have been at the top of the standings. Cole Custer was a part of the leading group in the NASCAR points standings . Poor performances in Loudon (22nd), Pocono (33rd), and Road America (30th) dropped him out of the group. He’s 77 points behind Allgaier and instead closer to Sam Mayer in fifth, 40 points behind.

Custer has consistently been a top performer in the Xfinity Series. He finished second in 2018 and 2019 to champion Tyler Reddick each season. With a rebound in performance over the last three races, he could take more steps to move up the championship standings.

Chandler Smith is the top rookie in the current Xfinity points standings. His win in Richmond and strong showings in Las Vegas and Loudon have him in seventh. As Hill did last season, he’ll likely make the playoffs as a rookie.

This season will likely come down to the final few NASCAR races as it has in many years past. Hill or Nemechek look to be the probable champion, but there’s still a chance Allgaier or Custer could challenge for a title.

For NASCAR betting news, NASCAR odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Coke Zero Sugar 400 prop bets: NASCAR’s 2nd Daytona Race Picks
• Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Odds: Austin Hill Eyes Second Daytona Victory
• NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 Picks: Battle at Daytona
• Multiple Cup Series drivers lead odds for win in Xfinity Series Shriners Children’s 200
• Nascar Go Bowling at the Glen Preview: Elliott’s First 2023 Win?