While it’s still relatively early in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the intensity surrounding the playoff picture is already kicking into high gear. With just 10 races completed out of 26 in the regular season, the fight to secure one of the coveted 12 playoff berths is well underway.

Several drivers have already punched their tickets to the Xfinity Series playoffs by winning races, including Chandler Smith and Austin Hill. Their automatic bids leave fewer spots available for the rest of the field to points-race their way into the postseason.

As a result, playoff positioning has become a premium even two months into the season. Drivers like A.J. Allmendinger and Justin Allgaier have been models of consistency so far, keeping them safely among the playoff grid for now. But one or two bad races could easily knock them outside the cut line.

The added pressure has some veteran championship contenders sweating it out. Last years Xfinity champ Cole Custer has shockingly gone winless over the opening 10 races. His early winless streak has him still well into the playoffs as of now, but it only takes a few bad weeks to be near the bubble.

Of course, there’s still well over half the regular season remaining for new contenders to emerge. Young drivers Sammy Smith and Shane Van Gisbergen have all the potential to start reeling off wins and race themselves into the playoff bracket over the coming months. Or a resurgent veteran like Brandon Jones could catch fire and steal a playoff bid.

Regardless of who fills out the 12 playoff drivers, one thing is certain, the on track intensity will continue ratcheting up week after week until the Xfinity playoff field is finally set. Every point is precious from here on out as drivers desperately claw their way towards title contention.

Rank	Driver	Wins/ Points To Cut
1	Chandler Smith	2X
2	Austin Hill	2X
3	Jesse Love	1X
4	Sam Mayer	1X
5	Cole Custer	+161
6	Justin Allgaier	+81
7	Riley Herbst	+71
8	A.J. Allmendinger	+63
9	Sheldon Creed	+45
10	Parker Kligerman	+29
11	Anthony Alfredo	+15
12	Sammy Smith	+15
13	Brandon Jones	-15
14	Ryan Sieg	-22
15	Shane Van Gisbergen	-34
16	Brennan Poole	-51