2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Pocono Preview
Photo: Lesley Ann Miller/Motorsport Images
After navigating the streets of Chicago, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will head back to Pocono Raceway. Coverage for the ‘Explore The Pocono Mountains 225’ begins at 3PM EST on USA.
Last year’s race was dominated by Josh Berry, but ultimately won by Austin Hill after Berry lost the lead and cut a tire.
Best Bets for Xfinity
|
Best Bets for Xfinity |
William Byron +350
William Byron enters this weekend as the favorite, making his third Xfinity start of the season. Byron has yet to win an Xfinity race in his six starts since winning the Championship in his 2017 rookie season. His only Xfinity start at Pocono came in 2017, where he finished 12th. He does have a Truck win from 2016, but will be looking to record his first Xfinity win at the Tricky Triangle.
Justin Allgaier +400
Since his win at Darlington, Justin Allgaier has recorded two Top 5s and five Top 10s in the last seven races. Some good momentum for him heading into Pocono, where he’s still looking for his first win at the 2.5 mile triangle. Allgaier has two Top 5s and four Top 10s in his eight starts at the track, with a 23rd place finish in last year’s race.
Chandler Smith +600
Chandler Smith’s race on the streets of Chicago ended after his engine expired on the fifth lap. SMith will be looking for a bounce back race at Pocono, where he finished 20th in last year’s race. However, he does have a Truck win from 2022 when he ran in Toyota equipment, like he has been in 2024. Don’t count him out this weekend.
Sam Mayer +600
Sam Mayer enters this weekend with two wins to his name this season, looking to settle some unfinished business. Mayer finished 2nd after teammate Josh Berry lost the lead, made contact with him, and cut a tire on the final lap. Mayer will be on the hunt to get more playoff points as the regular season is nearing its completion.
Austin Hill +1000
Austin Hill only led three laps last year, but he led the most important laps as he was able to pass Josh Berry and hold on for the win at Pocono. But after starting the season with six straight Top 10 finishes, Hill has five Top 10s in the last twelve races. He has finished the last two races inside the Top 10, maybe a sign of things to come towards the end of the regular season.
AJ Allmendinger +2500
AJ Allmendinger is the wild card pick that people should keep their eyes on. Despite not having a win this season, he’s quietly gathered two Top 5s in both of his Xfinity starts at Pocono. He’s only 90 points above the cutoff, while that’s a big gap to manage, Allmendinger wants to win. Expect some strategy calls to give AJ a shot a reaching victory lane.