2021 XFINITY SERIES AND CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES DRIVERS TO WATCH
Keep an Eye on These Xfinity Series Drivers
Last year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series season was historically unpredictable, with eight drivers winning at least two races. Which contender will take charge this year? BY AARON BURNS
There’s something for everyone in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Want to see veterans going for a careerdefining championship? Look no further than Justin Allgaier, Michael Annett and A.J. Allmendinger. Interested in the title hopefuls employed by legendary car owners? Joe Gibbs has Harrison Burton and Daniel Hemric in the fold.
A.J. Allmendinger “The Dinger”
60
Justin Allgaier Elliott Sadler
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s operation features Noah Gragson and Roger Penske counters with Austin Cindric, the series’ reigning champ. Cindric is the early favorite to repeat as champion, with his team intact and plenty of motivation to prove last season was no fluke. He’ll be challenged early and often, however, by a pack of drivers itching for supremacy and a shot at the NASCAR Cup
Harrison Burton The Xfinity
Austin Cindric Six wins, 19 top-
Series in 2022. There’s a lot to play for in the Xfinity Series’ 40th season, with 33 races and a championship trophy awaiting the driver and team who rises above the rest when it matters most. Here’s a look at a half-dozen drivers who could lay claim to the series title once the season ends in November:
Daniel Hemric One of NASCAR’s
Riley Herbst Herbst takes
enjoyed a scintillating
must’ve passed down
Series’ reigning
five finishes, 26
most well-liked
over the Stewart-
2020 season, which
the title of “Most
rookie of the year
top-10 results and
drivers by fans,
Haas Racing ride
featured two wins in
Successful Xfinity
drives for one of
a championship did
media and his peers,
previously held by
just 11 starts. This
Series Driver without
the sport’s best
everything for Cindric
Hemric has bounced
Chase Briscoe, the
year, Allmendinger
a Championship”
teams – Joe Gibbs
except land him a full-
around the last few
series’ winningest
will chase his first
to Allgaier, who’s
Racing – so he has
time NASCAR Cup Series
seasons. He’s been
driver last year.
NASCAR Xfinity
finished fifth or better
the speed that’s
ride. Returning to Team
competitive in Xfinity
Briscoe parlayed nine
Series title with
in points seven times.
necessary to win
Penske’s Xfinity Series
Series races, but
wins into a NASCAR
Kaulig Racing, one
Last year, he came
a championship.
program, Cindric will
make no mistake: This
Cup Series ride. Don’t
of the series’ most
closer than ever – a
Burton won four
look to replicate Tyler
is Hemric’s prove-it
expect Herbst to
successful new
runner-up finish on
races a year ago. If
Reddick’s feat of back-
year. He’ll pilot Joe
win nine races, but
teams. Look for
the strength of three
he can stay up front
to-back championships
Gibbs Racing’s No. 18
multiple visits to
Allmendinger to be
wins and 19 top-10
and avoid trouble in
in 2018 and 2019. He’s
Toyota, arguably the
victory lane are likely.
at the front on every
finishes. Is this
the playoffs, watch
once again the early
series’ most sought-
He’s got the car
type of track.
the year?
out.
title favorite.
after ride.
to do it.
POLE POSITION 2021
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
