NASCAR’s a tough climb, and the Xfinity Series often serves as the proving ground for those gunning for Cup glory. Shane van Gisbergen is a prime example. After tearing up Xfinity, he stormed into the 2025 Chicago Street Race, sweeping both Xfinity and Cup events from the pole and leading chunks of laps with ice-cold composure.

Daniel Suárez followed a similar path, leveraging his 2016 Xfinity title and Rookie honors into Cup wins at Sonoma in 2022 and Atlanta in 2024. These drivers show how Xfinity success can launch a career to Sundays, but it’s not just talent that gets you there. Money is the real gatekeeper.

Jeb Burton’s story hits different. He’s got the skills, the wins, and the heart, but he’s stuck in the Xfinity grind, dreaming of Cup while sponsorship woes keep him grounded.

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