Top 3 drivers feat. Shane van Gisbergen who can win the Xfinity playoff race at Charlotte Roval

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to the Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Round of 12 cut-off race. The Drive for the Cure 250 road course event is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at 4:00 PM ET.

Sammy Smith and Chandler Smith have clinched their spots in the next round. However, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the drivers on the bubble. Road course ace AJ Allmendinger sits just seven points above the cut-line, while fellow specialists Shane van Gisbergen (-10), Justin Allgaier (-7), and Sam Mayer (-13) are below the cut-line but still within striking distance.

Jesse Love and Riley Herbst, currently sitting 22 and 20 points above the cut-line in sixth and seventh place respectively, will be feeling the pressure as some of the best road course racers are right behind them, eager to chase down their playoff spots.

Let us take a look at three NASCAR Xfinity drivers who could emerge as the favorites to win the elimination race at the Roval.

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Top 3 NASCAR Xfinity favorites to win at Charlotte Roval

#3 Sam Mayer

In Picture: Sam Mayer (Source: Getty)

Sam Mayer is looking to rebound after a disqualification at Talladega that dropped him below the cut-line. The Charlotte Roval presents a prime opportunity for the #1 JR Motorsports driver to make a comeback, especially given his strong record on road courses, with three road course victories under his belt.

Mayer is the defending winner at Roval and has the second-best average finishing position at the track, 7.3. The 21-year-old will likely be battling other playoff bubble drivers as he seeks to clinch a spot in the next round.

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#2 AJ Allmendinger

In Picture: AJ Allmendinger (Source: Getty)

AJ Allmendinger has the most impressive track record at the Roval with four Xfinity Series victories in his four starts. The 42-year-old has also found success in the Cup Series, winning the race last season.

The stakes are higher this season as Allmendinger's title hopes are on the line, with strong competition expected from teammate Shane van Gisbergen, who is below the cut-line. Allmendinger hasn't won a race this season, with a third place finish at the Glen marking his best result.

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#1 Shane van Gisbergen

In Picture: Shane van Gisbergen (Source: Getty)

Shane van Gisbergen's road course prowess could save his playoff run, as he heads to Charlotte 10 points below the cut-line. A three-time winner in the Xfinity Series in his rookie campaign, the final road course event of the season provides the Kiwi driver a realistic chance of securing his fourth win.

This will be van Gisbergen's first weekend at the track, but the changes to the track layout have leveled out the playing field. The #97 Chevy driver will try to score stage points but can drive through the field and be in the mix at the front.

Watch out for van Gisbergen, Allmendinger, and Mayer as they fight for victory at the Charlotte Roval, with their championship aspirations on the line.