Justin Haley

The self-proclaimed dark horse of the Championship 4, Justin Haley was the surprise lock-in among the title contenders with his last-lap pass of a fuel-starved Todd Gilliland to steal the victory at Texas Motor Speedway. He’s one of two GMS Racing Chevrolet drivers in the championship race and the youngest contender at the age of 19.

Haley is a short-track kid who grew up in Winamac, Ind., but he’s come into his own this year with three victories, including two during the playoffs. He’s repeatedly told the media not to underestimate him or crew chief Kevin Bellicourt, and they might just be the straw that stirs the drink in the final laps on Friday.