5 TO WATCH

With 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Ty Gibbs and runner-up Noah Gragson graduated to the next level, the way has been cleared for others to shine in 2023. Here are five contenders worth watching.

BY JARED TURNER

1Josh Berry: A longtime JR Motorsports Late Model stock car standout whom team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. promoted to the Xfinity Series full time in 2022, Josh Berry made the most of the opportunity by capturing a trio of victories and reaching the Championship 4. Although Berry fell short in his title quest, he’s a favorite to win it all in 2023.

Justin Allgaier: Xfinity Series veteran Justin Allgaier has come close to winning a championship on multiple occasions, only to come up a little short. It happened again in 2022 when the JR Motorsports driver made the Championship 4 but finished third among the title contenders. If Allgaier can take it up just a notch this season, he’ll be well-positioned to finally claim the big prize.

Sheldon Creed: After winning eight races and a championship in his final two seasons in the Craftsman Truck Series, Sheldon Creed appeared more than ready for a jump to the Xfinity Series in 2022. The transition proved difficult, however, as Creed went winless, missed the playoffs and finished 14th in points. He’s back for a second season with Richard Childress Racing in hopes of much better results.

Daniel Hemric: After winning the 2021 Xfinity Series title with Joe Gibbs Racing, Daniel Hemric took a step back a year ago after moving to Kaulig Racing. Hemric finished ninth in the standings, failing to win a race or even reach the Round of 8. He’ll once again pilot Kaulig’s No. 11 Chevrolet in 2023, with a goal of returning to Victory Lane and championship-contending

Brandon Jones: Brandon Jones missed the Championship 4 in heartbreaking fashion a year ago when he was punted on the final lap of the fall Martinsville playoff race by then-Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs. Since then, Jones has transitioned to JR Motorsports – JGR’s main rival – where he’ll drive the No. 9 Chevrolet that Noah Gragson wheeled to a series-high eight wins and a runner-up finish last year.