## Mayer's Momentum: Breakout Win Sets Sights on Cup Series

Sam Mayer finally broke through for his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, sparking attention from veteran driver Denny Hamlin. The victory wasn't just any win - it was Mayer's first with Haas Factory Team, the organization's first win this year, and the first Ford triumph in the series this season.  This milestone also cemented his spot in the playoffs, a position he was already on track to secure.

**Hamlin Praises Mayer's Transition**

On his podcast "Actions Detrimental," Hamlin lauded Mayer for making a successful switch from JR Motorsports. "Certainly you don’t think the equipment is quite as good," Hamlin said, acknowledging the perceived gap in performance between the teams.  "In Xfinity, it’s tough because I’m not in the trenches there, I don’t know all the details of it. But it seems like Sam’s been doing a really good job lately of getting good finishes. Obviously, he won some road course races with JR [Motorsports] over the last few years. He’s winning on ovals, he’s doing all the good things."

Hamlin added, "You know, we had discussions about Sam, um, I don’t know, probably early in the year, where I think he was probably doing something dumb, and it was like, and then he was talking about how people weren’t looking at him to move up, and we were like, well that’s why. As long as he keeps doing things like this, certainly he’s doing a lot of good things. He was fast all weekend. Wasn’t by accident by any means.”

**Mayer's Road to the Cup Series**

Last year, Mayer voiced his frustration at being passed over for Cup Series opportunities. While there were fewer new faces in the series this season due to a lot of shuffling and returning veterans, Mayer, still just 22 years old, continues to demonstrate his talent. His winning streak stretches back to his time in the ARCA East Series and even the CARS Tour.

Though  a Cup Series ride might be out of reach for now with limited "Silly Season" movement, the 2026 season holds many unknowns that could benefit a driver like Mayer - if the right opportunity presents itself.




## Mayer's Momentum: Breakout Win Sets Sights on Cup Series

Sam Mayer finally broke through for his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, sparkin

#Nascar

Denny Hamlin reacts to Sam Mayer, Haas Factory NASCAR Xfinity win at Iowa