While the trucks have a bit of a break before their next event, the Xfinity and Cup Series teams headed to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. While NASCAR debuted at the road course in 2021, the 2025 version of the event featured a smaller layout that featured a smaller course and quicker laps.
These are the top underdog performers from the past weekend, with the new layout paying dividends for some.
Xfinity Series | Focused Health 250
Christian Eckes (#16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet): Eckes, who moved up from the trucks to join Kaulig Racing in Xfinity this season, had a landmark day for a rookie. Having not raced on the track before, Eckes piloted his beat up Celsius Camaro to a fifth place finish after starting tenth. Eckes currently sits ninth in the standings three races into the season.
Blaine Perkins (#31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet): Perkins joined Anderson’s team in 2025, taking over the seat of the vacated #31 entry. While Perkins is typically a mid-pack driver, the new duo had a strong day at COTA. Starting 18th, Perkins brought the Camaro home 10th. This was Perkins’ second career top ten finish, with the other coming in 2022 at Martinsville.
Alex Labbe (#07 SS-Green Light Racing Chevrolet): Labbe is a veteran with 157 series starts to his credit, but can still be considered somewhat of a road course ringer. Honing his road course skills in NASCAR’s Canada Series, Labbe piloted Bobby Dotter’s #07 Chevrolet to a strong 14th place finish. Labbe is currently scheduled to split time with two others drivers in the #07 this season.
Cup Series | ECHOPARK Automotive Grand Prix
Noah Gragson (#4 Front Row Motorsports Ford): Gragson joined FRM this season to pilot their new #4 Ford. This was by far Gragson’s best performance with the new team, bringing the Rush Truck Centers Ford home eighth. This was Gragson’s first top ten finish since Indianapolis in 2024.
Michael McDowell (#71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet): Much like Gragson, McDowell had a strong performance with his new team. Typically considered a threat for the win on a road course, McDowell showed he has not lost a step with the #71 entry finishing 11th and leading three laps. After three races this season, McDowell and Spire also sit eighth in points.
Brad Keselowski (#6 RFK Racing Ford): While not typically considered an underdog, Keselowski and his #6 team deserve a place this week. Keselowski’s cool suit broke during the event, leaving the driver to fight through heat and dehydration. Still finishing the event, Keselowski’s Ford finished 15th despite the issues.
