The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Sunday, March 16, 2025, for the Pennzoil 400. This marks the fifth race of the 2025 season and the first on a 1.5-mile intermediate track, setting the stage for a thrilling battle under the Nevada sun. The green flag is set to drop at 3:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on FS1.
Track Overview
Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval with 20 degrees of banking in the turns and nine degrees on the front and backstretch. Known for its high speeds and competitive racing, the track is a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The Pennzoil 400 consists of 267 laps, divided into three stages: Stage 1 (80 laps), Stage 2 (85 laps), and the Final Stage (102 laps).
Key Storylines
- Christopher Bell’s Historic Streak Christopher Bell enters the Pennzoil 400 riding a wave of momentum, having won three consecutive races this season. If Bell secures a victory in Las Vegas, he will become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four straight races. Bell’s recent dominance includes wins on a variety of tracks, showcasing his versatility and skill. With five straight top-10 finishes on 1.5-mile tracks, Bell is a strong contender to make history.
- Kyle Larson’s Vegas Success Defending Pennzoil 400 winner Kyle Larson is another driver to watch. Larson has three career victories at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and has been a consistent front-runner at this track. With two top-five finishes in the first four races of the season, Larson is poised to challenge for another win.
- Joey Logano’s Redemption Arc Joey Logano, a four-time winner at Las Vegas, has had a challenging start to the season. The defending Cup Series champion has yet to secure a top-10 finish in 2025. A strong performance in Las Vegas could be the turning point Logano needs to regain his championship form.
- Underdogs to Watch Alex Bowman, a previous winner at Las Vegas, enters the race with three top-10 finishes this season. Despite being considered an underdog, Bowman has the potential to surprise the field. Additionally, Tyler Reddick, who finished runner-up in last year’s spring race, has been consistently strong at this track and could contend for the win.
- Intermediate Track Dynamics The Pennzoil 400 is the first race of the season on an intermediate track, providing teams with valuable insights into their setups for similar tracks later in the year. Success in Las Vegas could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Betting Favorites
- Kyle Larson: +350
- Christopher Bell: +400
- Tyler Reddick: +525
- William Byron: +750
- Joey Logano: +1200
- Chase Elliott: +1400
