The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying session takes place on Saturday, July 5, ahead of The Loop 110 race in Chicago. The series has competed on this street circuit since 2023, where previous winners Cole Custer and Shane van Gisbergen have since advanced to the Cup Series, opening the field for new contenders this year. The qualifying session serves as the initial competitive event to set the grid, beginning Saturday morning at the city’s street track. The focus is on which driver will secure the pole position for the weekend’s race.
Current Standings and Drivers to Watch
At the moment, Justin Allgaier leads the Xfinity points standings, followed by Sam Meyer in second and Austin Hill in third. Jesse Love sits between Meyer and Hill, holding fourth, while Connor Zilisch is fifth overall, having taken pole at the recent Mexico City road course race. Zilisch, a JR Motorsports competitor, is expected to be one of the top challengers for pole position in Chicago as well. Given that previous Chicago winners have moved to the Cup Series, this qualifying session is crucial for emerging drivers aiming to make their mark at this unique street venue.
Exact Start Times for NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying Across U.S. Time Zones
Qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Chicago begins at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, July 5. Below are the corresponding local start times for various cities, helping fans tune in without confusion:
New York, NY (ET): 11:30 AM
Charlotte, NC (ET): 11:30 AM
Charleston, WV (ET): 11:30 AM
Columbia, SC (ET): 11:30 AM
Augusta, ME (ET): 11:30 AM
Chicago, IL (CT): 10:30 AM
Pierre, SD (CT): 10:30 AM
Nashville, TN (CT): 10:30 AM
Des Moines, IA (CT): 10:30 AM
Montgomery, AL (CT): 10:30 AM
Denver, CO (MT): 9:30 AM
Salt Lake City, UT (MT): 9:30 AM
Albuquerque, NM (MT): 9:30 AM
El Paso, TX (MT): 9:30 AM
Los Angeles, CA (PT): 8:30 AM
Las Vegas, NV (PT): 8:30 AM
Seattle, WA (PT): 8:30 AM
Portland, OR (PT): 8:30 AM
San Francisco, CA (PT): 8:30 AM
Viewing Options for NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying Coverage
The qualifying session for the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Chicago will be broadcast live on The CW network in the United States, with coverage starting at the scheduled times. This coverage is also available to watch free of charge via the CW App for online streaming. Viewers in Canada can tune in through Bell Media outlets, which include CTV, TSN, USA Network, and the TSN+ streaming service. Broadcast availability may vary based on your location, so fans should check their local listings or streaming options accordingly.
Significance of Chicago Qualifying and What to Expect Next
Qualifying at this challenging Chicago street course plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for The Loop 110 race. With familiar victors no longer on the Xfinity grid, fresh talent has the opportunity to emerge. The pole position will be highly contested, especially given the recent strong performance by JR Motorsports’ Connor Zilisch and the strong championship form shown by Justin Allgaier and others. Securing a front-row starting spot can provide a strategic advantage on the tight street circuit, shaping how the race unfolds later in the day.