What to know ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season finale at Gateway

On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season will come to a close at Gateway. 

After 25 races, the 26th race of the 2025 season is the final chance for drivers to qualify for the 12-driver playoff field and compete for a championship. 

Here's what you need to know before Saturday's race. 

Sam Mayer fastest in practice 

Mayer, who won at Iowa on Aug. 2, topped the practice charts on Friday afternoon at Gateway. Jeb Burton, who enters Saturday's race as the first driver below the cut line, was fourth, while regular-season points leader Connor Zilisch was fifth. Qualifying is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, with coverage on the CW App. 

Connor Zilisch looking to lock up the regular-season title 

Zilisch is an eight-time winner this season, having been credited with the victory at Daytona on Aug. 22 after Parker Kligerman took over and won in relief. 

15 extra playoff points are Zilisch's if he can hold on and win the regular season championship, but defending Xfinity Series champion and teammate Justin Allgaier only trails him by 20 points. If Zilisch falters on Saturday, Allgaier could be there to snag the regular season title. 

Last chance for bubble drivers 

It's a battle between cousins Harrison Burton (12th, +31) and Jeb Burton (13th, -31) for the final playoff spot — at least, if there's a repeat winner. Everyone below Burton — starting with 14th-place Ryan Sieg — must win in order to make the postseason. There are 13 drivers, starting with Sieg and ending with 26th-place Ryan Ellis, who must win on Saturday in order to earn a playoff bid. 

The Nu Way 200 will go green shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, with coverage on the CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.