The three NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers most in need of the Olympic break

After Saturday's thrilling race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has three weeks off, returning to action on Aug. 17 at Michigan.

Some drivers, however, need the break more than others. Here are the three drivers who are most thankful for NASCAR's Olympic hiatus.

Brandon Jones

To say Jones' tenure at JR Motorsports has been disappointing would be a massive understatement. He currently sits 15th in points and is on the verge of missing the Xfinity Series playoffs for the second straight season. If Jones isn't a part of the postseason picture, serious conversations will need to be had about his future in NASCAR.

Josh Williams

Three top-10 finishes for a team that is a perennial playoff contender is simply unacceptable for Williams, who needs a win to be a part of the 2024 playoff field. With six regular-season races remaining, time is running out for the veteran driver to grab that all-important checkered flag, and the speed needed for a win isn't going to magically show up. It's time for Williams to do some soul-searching, or his stint with Kaulig Racing could be a short one.

AJ Allmendinger

Allmendinger hasn't had a bad season — far from it in fact, as he sits sixth in points and is comfortably above the playoff cut line — but it'd be hard to convince anyone that the pressure of being teammates with Shane van Gisbergen isn't getting to him. Allmendinger is no longer the top dog on road courses, and a crash in the Xfinity Series' Chicago Street Race shows that the veteran may be trying to push his cars and overcompensate. Allmendinger is certainly a championship threat, but he needs to reset and refocus ahead of a potential playoff push.