NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff contention: Standings change following Michigan race

NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff contention: Standings change following Michigan race

Saturday’s Cabo Wabo 250 at Michigan saw the Xfinity Series playoff bubble shift dramatically. With only five races to go until the postseason begins, here’s where the bubble drivers stand.

10. Sheldon Creed (+70)

Creed will be disappointed with yet another runner-up finish, but it was another solid points day for the Alpine, California native. Creed and the No. 18 team are turning in some of their best races at the right time, and barring a monumental meltdown, Creed will be in the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

11. Parker Kligerman (+36)

Kligerman treaded water on Saturday with an 11th-place result. With five solid tracks for Kligerman and the No. 48 team coming up, they’re in a similar position to a season ago, when they battled Riley Herbst for the final playoff spot all the way to the regular-season finale. With prior playoff pressure experience under their belt, Kligerman is primed for another postseason run.

12. Sammy Smith (+1)

Smith gained four points on the cut line with a much-needed fifth-place finish on Saturday, as his main bubble competitor, Ryan Sieg, could only muster up a 13th-place effort after pitting late in the race. The best thing about Smith’s run at Michigan? He and the No. 8 team finally showed top-five speed, an asset they’ve lacked for much of the year.

13. Ryan Sieg (-1)

With every passing week, Sieg’s heartbreaking loss at Texas stings more and more. A 13th-place run isn’t fully indicative of where Sieg ran on Saturday, as he spent a good chunk of time inside the top five and top 10, but strategy bit him in the end. Still, it’s been an impressive season for Sieg and his family-owned team, and as long as he sticks within striking distance of Smith, he has a shot to make the postseason.

14. Brandon Jones (-96)

Jones earned stage points in Stage One, but his race quickly unraveled in Stage 2. A big crash in turn three took out Riley Herbst, Sam Mayer and Jones, relegating the No. 9 car to a 36th-place finish. Jones is officially in a must-win situation with five races to go, and Friday’s race at Daytona may be his best opportunity.

15. Anthony Alfredo (-115)

Alfredo has been in a must-win situation for a few races now, but a fourth-place finish for the No. 5 team gives Alfredo some much-needed momentum. Like Jones, Friday’s race at Daytona is likely Alfredo’s best chance at an underdog win and a potential playoff bid.