Sam Mayer claimed the top starting position in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Indianapolis lineup during qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2025. The drivers competed on the 2.5-mile track this afternoon, with Mayer setting the fastest lap time of 54.014 seconds to lead the field to the green flag.
Complete Starting Grid for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
Mayer was closely followed by Nick Sanchez, who qualified second with a time of 54.060 seconds, and Sheldon Creed in third at 54.098 seconds. The top ten starters also included Jesse Love, Brandon Jones, Aric Almirola, Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, William Sawalich, and Carson Kvapil, rounding out a highly competitive front stretch. The qualifying times reflect a tightly packed group with narrow intervals separating the fastest drivers.
The complete starting lineup through the 38 positions includes notable competitors such as Sammy Smith in 11th, Austin Hill in 13th, and Kyle Larson qualifying 19th. Katherine Legge secured the 24th position, while rookies and seasoned veterans alike make up the diverse field prepared to tackle the famed oval today.
Current Standings Highlight Key Contenders in the Series
Connor Zilisch leads the points standings with four wins this season, followed by Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill, each with three wins. Other drivers with victories include Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, Jesse Love, and Nick Sanchez, signaling a talented group vying for playoff positioning. Sam Mayer sits at eighth in points but clearly demonstrated his speed in qualifying.
The playoff cutline currently places Harrison Burton, Ryan Sieg, Dean Thompson, and Christian Eckes on the bubble, with negative point differentials indicating the pressure intensifying as the season progresses.
The Road Ahead for Drivers at Indianapolis
Starting at the front, Mayer has set a strong tone for today’s race, where performance on the high-speed, historic track will be crucial for playoff momentum. The close qualifying results suggest intense battles will unfold throughout the 38-driver field. Keeping focus and maintaining consistency at Indianapolis Motor Speedway remain essential for drivers aiming to improve their championship standing in the exciting NASCAR Xfinity Series competition.