Lavar Scott will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Dover Motor Speedway on Saturday, driving the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet in the BetRivers 200. The 21-year-old native of New Jersey is preparing to transform his early unease with the track’s noise and atmosphere into a confident performance, marking an important milestone in his racing career.
Announced on July 1, this race at Dover will be one of two Xfinity Series events Scott will compete in this season, with the second scheduled for September at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. His debut highlights Scott’s rise through the ranks and reflects the culmination of years of preparation and experience.
Lavar Scott’s Path to Xfinity: Experience and Mental Readiness
Scott recalls attending races at Dover as a child, often struggling with the overwhelming sound. However, he now approaches his Xfinity debut with excitement and confidence, having gained extensive racing experience over the past few years. After two years racing in ARCA, a series often described by Scott as his “office,” he feels well-equipped for the challenge ahead.
I think I’m definitely mentally ready,
Scott said.
I mean, I’m 21 now. I’ve been in ARCA for two years, so this is something that could have happened years ago, right? I could have expedited this process a long time ago, but I just waited to, I felt like, mentally, it was the right time. I have the experience on my belt, and I’ve raced mile-and-a-half tracks, short tracks, Daytona (International Speedway), Talladega (Superspeedway). So I feel mentally, this is the time to do so.
So I’m ready for that. I have no type of nerves in that way, or kind of scared, or ‘am I ready’ doubtful mindset at all, just pure excitement. I know I’ve put in the work in the past five years with Rev Racing, and I’ve learned, I’ve watched, I’ve talked to many people and I think I’ve done the true underwork to have a good performance and have a good debut in this. I think we’ll do it.
Building Momentum Through ARCA and Simulator Training
Before stepping into the Xfinity Series, Scott’s career has been marked by impressive accomplishments, particularly in the ARCA Menards Series. He advanced from the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series to ARCA’s East Series in 2023, where he earned five top-five finishes and seven top-10s. In 2024, racing full-time for Rev Racing, Scott secured 15 top-10 finishes in 20 races, finished second in the championship, and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Alongside this on-track success, Scott has been utilizing simulator sessions and visual preparation to adapt to the Xfinity level. Balancing his ongoing ARCA campaign, where he currently ranks third with consistent top-five finishes, he remains focused on delivering strong performances in both arenas.
I think I’m balancing the two pretty well, like, I know I need to put in extra work for the Xfinity side of things, because it’s something I haven’t done before, right?
Scott explained.
But I’m definitely not forgetting the main thing is the ARCA car. That’s obviously a fight for the championship, so I got to keep the main thing, but I know I need to work hard on the Xfinity side of things, so when I do go to practice and unload, we’re not off pace, right? But just gotta balance the two. I think I’ve done it pretty well.
Dover as a Significant Track for Scott’s Debut
Dover Motor Speedway represents more than just a racetrack for Scott—it feels like home. As a New Jersey native, returning to competition at this one-mile concrete oval carries personal significance. His eagerness to compete here is fueled by both his familiarity with the venue and advice from other drivers, such as Rajah Caruth from the Craftsman Truck Series, who also made his debut with Alpha Prime Racing.
Scott’s prior races at Dover have provided valuable insights. At the 2024 General Tire 150, Scott finished fourth, competing closely against Xfinity regulars like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil, who finished first and third respectively. This experience helps prepare him for the intensity and fast pace of Xfinity racing at the Monster Mile.
I feel like every lap you’re around somebody or you’re racing somebody,
Scott said about Xfinity’s competitive field.
you have to do something different to try to get around somebody or block somebody. So I think with that, I’m trying to get acclimated to that racing because I feel like in ARCA you have multiple laps to kind of think about before you do it, whereas in Xfinity, I mean, every single lap is gonna be different racing around with somebody, and if you make a move, you’re gonna get passed by 10 people, right? So, I think with that, it’s good for me because I get to learn. And that’s what I’m doing this for is to learn and get experience.
Driving Representation and Inspiring Future Generations
Scott’s presence in the Xfinity Series carries significance beyond just competition. As a product of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, he underscores the importance of representation in motorsports. His progress offers encouragement to young fans from diverse backgrounds and fosters greater inclusion within the sport.
I mean, it’s been so big for me,
Scott shared.
I mean, the message that I’ve got from kids that are kind of looking up to me now, saying they support me, watching me and trying to come to the race, has been so much for me. That’s a lot of reason why I’m here, right, if I want to do things that I do. So it’s exciting for me, and I’ll try to have a good result for, really, all my fans and supporters. Like I said, I just can’t wait, and I’m so excited.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Unfolds at Dover
With Saturday’s race presenting a major step in Scott’s career, the young driver approaches it with determination and enthusiasm. Where Dover once overwhelmed him as a child, it now stands as a symbol of growth and opportunity. Scott recognizes the importance of this moment and embraces the challenge as a foundation for his future in NASCAR.
This is something that I’ve always wanted my whole life was to have this moment,
Scott said.
So I’m just happy. Life is very good right now.
