The NASCAR Cup series is entering a pivotal stage with just four races left in the season. The upcoming event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway marks the beginning of the Round of 8. This race is crucial for the championship contenders and those seeking to gain momentum heading into the offseason.
NASCAR Cup Drivers Prepare for Las Vegas Race
The Las Vegas round presents a mix of opportunities and challenges for various drivers and teams. Here is an overview of key developments leading up to the race.
23XI Racing
- Good News: Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace currently sit ninth and tenth in points, aiming for top-10 finishes.
- Bad News: Both drivers were eliminated from the playoffs last week. Wallace has only one top-10 finish in his last ten Las Vegas races.
Front Row Motorsports
- Good News: Todd Gilliland has achieved top 20 finishes in the last three races.
- Bad News: Gilliland and Zane Smith have yet to secure a top-10 finish on 1.5-mile tracks this season.
Haas Factory Team
- Good News: Cole Custer reaches a milestone with his 150th Cup start.
- Bad News: Custer has finished 22nd or worse in eight of his last ten races.
Hendrick Motorsports
- Good News: Kyle Larson boasts nine top-10 finishes in his last 11 races at Las Vegas.
- Bad News: Chase Elliott has struggled with only one top-10 finish in his last five races at the venue.
Joe Gibbs Racing
- Good News: Denny Hamlin leads the points heading into this round.
- Bad News: Ty Gibbs has struggled at Las Vegas with five finishes of 22nd or worse in six starts.
Kaulig Racing
- Good News: AJ Allmendinger has three top-10 finishes this season at 1.5-mile tracks.
- Bad News: Ty Dillon has placed 27th or worse in eight of his last 11 races.
Team Penske
- Good News: Joey Logano has four wins at Las Vegas, the most among active drivers.
- Bad News: Logano starts the Round of 8 with a 24-point deficit, the largest in playoff history.
Trackhouse Racing
- Good News: Shane van Gisbergen won at the Charlotte Roval, achieving five consecutive Cup road course wins.
- Bad News: Ross Chastain was eliminated from the playoffs last weekend.
Wood Brothers Racing
- Good News: Josh Berry won the last Cup race at Las Vegas in March.
- Bad News: Berry has only four top-10 finishes since that win.
The race day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is set to commence with pre-race coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET on USA Network. All eyes will be on the drivers as they navigate the challenges of this critical stage in the NASCAR Cup season.
