This weekend is the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Daytona International Speedway, and Michigan winner AJ Allmendinger will lead the chasing pack for the Wawa 250. This will actually be a big blow for the championship leader, Austin Cindric, who wants to defend his title.

Alongside the Kaulig Racing driver on the front row will be Noah Gragson, with Brandon Jones and Justin Allgaier on their tails. Harrison Burton will complete the Top 5, with Riley Herbst lining up in sixth place. Meanwhile, Brett Moffitt, Jeremy Clements Justin Haley, and Jade Buford will round out the Top 10.

Meanwhile, Ryan Sieg and Tommy Joe Martins just miss out on the Top 10 berths. Lining up behind them are Jeb Burton and a disappointed Austin Cindric, who will be keen to carve his way up the order and extend his championship advantage. Behind the defending champion will be Christopher Bell, Matt Mills, Josh Williams, Jordan Anderson, Michael Annett, and Colin Garrett.

How does everyone else line up behind AJ Allmendinger?

Just outside the Top 20 will be Daniel Hemric and Sam Mayer in 21st and 22nd, respectively. Myatt Snider and Ryan Vargas will start in 23rd and 24th, ahead of Alex Labbe and Landon Cassill. Jeffrey Earnhardt, Kyle Weatherman, Blaine Perkins, and Mason Massey will complete the Top 30.

Right at the tail end will be Brandon Brown and David Starr, followed by Colby Howard and JJ Yeley. Jason White and Caesar Bacarella will line up on Row 18, ahead of Chase Briscoe and Spencer Boyd. Finally, Joe Graf Jr and Tim Viens will occupy the final two spots on the 40-car grid.

Without a doubt, this is the best opportunity for AJ Allmendinger to close the gap to Austin Cindric in the championship battle. Since the latter is starting so far down, he will have to fight his way back up.

READ MORE: WATCH: AJ Allmendinger Wins NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Michigan International Speedway