“It’s only a farewell for that part”: Xfinity responds to NASCAR exit concerns following switch to O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Xfinity Mobile has addressed its association with NASCAR following its departure as title sponsor. The brand reiterated that it remains a 'premier partner' of the Cup Series.

With O'Reilly Auto Parts taking over as the title sponsor for the lower-tier series, Xfinity's place in the sport remained uncertain. Many thought of the move as a definitive exit.

Noting the same, a fan responded to Xfinity's farewell post on X with the following comment,

"You've done a lot for the sport. Hopefully this is not goodbye but rather a see you again someday ! Thank you Xfinity"

Xfinity, on its part, called attention to its existing alliance with NASCAR.

"We’re still a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, a team sponsor of @23XIRacing, have the Xfinity 500 for fall @MartinsvilleSwy, & the Xfinity Fastest Lap Award for all three national series. It’s only a farewell for that part."

Xfinity Mobile spent 11 years as the title sponsor for NASCAR's lower-tier series. Notably, the 2025 season was the most-watched season in four years since debut on The CW.

---

NASCAR Xfinity Series sees increased adult viewership

According to Nielsen, the 2025 Xfinity Series averaged 1,034,000 total viewers per week and saw a ten percent jump compared to the previous season, in addition to a seven per cent increase in adult viewership, aged 18-49.

The championship race at Phoenix recorded 1,015,000 total viewers and peaked at 1,191,000 total viewers. The season-opening race at Daytona, meanwhile, recorded 1.8 million viewers.

Brad Schwartz, President of The CW Network, offered his assesment of the series' performance.

"The success and growth of the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year showcases the unmatched power of broadcast television to connect with fans, both locally and nationally. We’re grateful for our partnership with the amazing team at NASCAR Productions, whose dedication helped make this inaugural season truly unforgettable. To our talent, our team, the drivers, the crews, and everyone that worked so hard this year, we can’t wait to carry this incredible momentum into Daytona in 2026!,” he said via Jayski.com

Much of Xfinity's success in 2025 comes from Connor Zilisch's record setting title bid. The young prodigy secured ten wins and a record 18 consecutive top five finishes. He also nabbed eight poles, led more than a thousand laps and ended with an impressive average finish of 8.

However, the 19-year-old faced a crushing defeat on the final race, as Richard Childress Racing's Jesse Love, took advantage of the playoff format and won the race outright. He had just one race win prior to the finale.

Nonetheless, Zilisch was named the Rookie of The Year and got signed to a Cup Series seat with Trackhouse Racing. Love, on the other hand, looks to defend his title with the No.2 Chevy.

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

Edited by Vignesh Kanna