Xfinity Series playoffs begin with drivers seeking Cup rides

LAS VEGAS » Ross Chastain opened this week preparing for the start of the Xfinity Series playoffs and celebrating his promotion to the Cup Series. He isoneof the luckytitle contenders– he knowswhere hewill be driving next season.

The Xfinity Series prides itself as the “Names Are MadeHere” division of NASCARanditfits this classwell. Regular-season champion Austin Cindric wants a Cup Series ride, ChaseBriscoe has made earning a promotion a priority this season, Justin Haley is being eyedfor a seat at the top level and Chip Ganassi Racing just gave Chastain a Cup job for 2021.

The 12driversareall vying to become the first newXfinity Series champion in two years – TylerReddickmoved toCup this seasonafterbackto-back titles – at the same timemany are also navigating a crowded jobmarket.

“The whole ‘silly season’ has just been so confusing up to this point,” said Haley, a teammate of Chastain’s at Kaulig Racing who didn’t find out his friendwas going to driveGanassi’s No. 42 next year until it was announced. “I talk to Ross almost every day and the 42 news was, you know, news to us. I’m not sure where I stand right now.”

Spire Motorsports wants Haley, who won for the team in2019atDaytona inJuly, to drive one of its Cup cars next year but is still working on a deal as the Xfinity Series playoffs begin Saturday at Las VegasMotor Speedway.

This year’s field is loaded with potential Cup drivers and should be a fierce race betweenBriscoe and Cindric, whohavecombinedtowin12 of 26 events this season.

Briscoe began the year chasing eight wins because he believes that number will get him a Cup ride and he’s so far won seven races for Stewart-Haas Racing. Cindric this year proved he can win on ovals – his first three of five victories came at KentuckyandTexas– andwasvocal this week in wanting his career to continue on an upward trajectory.

“Timing-wise, a move to the Cup Series would probably be the best thing for my development as a driver,”

Cindric said. “I know what it takes tobe fast andtoexecute in races ... that’s why I look at (Cup) as a potential option forme andprobably the bestcase scenario for me.”

Cindric drives an Xfinity Series car for Team Penske, where his father, Tim, is president of the organization. Team Penske could keep the 21-year-old Cindric in the Xfinity Series for a fourth full season or move him to Cup by either expanding its own programto four cars or assigning him to drive for partnerWood Brothers Racing. But this year has been a breakout for him: His five wins, 17 top-fives and 812 laps led are all career highs.

Briscoe has an uncertain future as he returns to Las Vegas, where he scored his first victory of the season in February. His deal to return to SHR for a second season relied on sponsorship that didn’t come together until the offseason and the organization has not said what it plans for Briscoe in 2021. ClintBowyer is theonlySHR Cup driver still unsigned for next season but the teamhas previously said it wants the veteran back.