The NASCAR Cup Series is heating up as it heads to the vibrant Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 400, set for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET. This race marks the fifth of 36 scheduled races for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The event promises exhilarating competition and strategic drama, drawing considerable attention as the lineup has been officially announced.
Christopher Bell, the current standout of the Cup Series, is gunning for glory at Las Vegas, aiming to clinch his fourth consecutive victory. This would make Bell the first driver to achieve such a remarkable feat since 2007. After finishing 31st at the Daytona 500, Bell has rebounded spectacularly, securing wins at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix. He currently sits second in the standings with 152 points, just 13 points behind leader William Byron, who has been performing consistently well throughout the season.
Last week's thrilling finish at the Shriners Children’s 500 saw Bell narrowly edge out Denny Hamlin, with both drivers vying for the lead under intense pressure. Bell led for 105 laps, securing yet another top finish, but he enters this weekend’s race knowing there is fierce competition lurking behind him.
Kyle Larson, the reigning champion of the Pennzoil 400, is also one of the favorites heading to Las Vegas, currently listed at +450 odds. The driver has had considerable success at this track, tallying three victories and possessing the second-highest number of laps led at the Motor Speedway. His victory last spring showcased his prowess after leading 181 laps, cementing his status as one of the drivers to watch this weekend.
Similarly, William Byron stands out as another strong contender at +600 odds. He leads the standings with 165 points and boasts impressive performances, including three top-six finishes. Byron’s win at the 2023 Pennzoil 400 added to his credibility, positioning him as one of the top drivers once again at this venue.
On the betting front, experts like NASCAR insider Steven Taranto, noted for his predictive accuracy, are keeping close tabs on the drivers, particularly Bell, who is gaining traction for his exceptional form this season. Taranto emphasizes Bell’s previous success at Las Vegas, where he finished fifth last year and second at the most recent South Point 400.
Joey Logano, often seen as Bell's rival, is also regarded as one of the top picks this weekend, with odds set at +1100. Logano’s ties to the Pennzoil brand, which is prominently featured at this race, add to the intrigue. He has been victorious at Vegas, boasting multiple wins, though his recent spring performances have yielded mediocre results. Logano will be eager to prove critics wrong and regain his winning form at the track where he once thrived.
Looking at the starting lineup for the race, the key position belongs to Michael McDowell, who captured his first pole position of the season with his impressive lap. McDowell's accomplishment also marks the first pole for Spire Motorsports, indicating their potential competitive edge. He is followed closely by Logano and Austin Cindric, who will strive to utilize their positions to gain advantages early in the race.
The complete starting lineup is as follows:
- Michael McDowell (Spire Motorsports) - 1st position
- Joey Logano (Team Penske) - 2nd position
- Austin Cindric (Team Penske) - 3rd position
- Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing) - 4th position
- Erik Jones (LEGACY MOTOR CLUB) - 5th position
- Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports) - 6th position
- Josh Berry (Wood Brothers Racing) - 7th position
- William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports) - 8th position
- Zane Smith (Front Row Motorsports) - 9th position
- Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) - 10th position
The stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating contest. From Bell’s potential record-setting run to the return of previous champions like Larson and Logano, fans are eagerly awaiting the green flag. Tune in to FS1 for live coverage of the Pennzoil 400, which will undoubtedly deliver action as drivers vie for traction in the standings and aim for the prestigious win.
With the race only hours away, discussions among drivers will center on strategy, speed, and the ability to adapt to changes presented by the Las Vegas weekend. Will Bell continue his winning streak, or will another competitor seize the moment? This pivotal race could very well dictate the direction of the driver standings moving forward.