The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Hard Rock Bet 300, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025. This race marks the sixth event of the 2025 Xfinity Series season and promises high-speed action on the 1.5-mile oval track. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect:
Race Overview
- Track: Homestead-Miami Speedway
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Banking: 18-20 degrees in the turns, 3 degrees on the front and back stretches
- Known for its multi-groove racing, the track allows drivers to experiment with different lines, making for exciting overtakes and strategy.
- Race Distance: 300 miles (200 laps)
- Start Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Broadcast: The CW, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Key Storylines
- Dash 4 Cash Begins: The Hard Rock Bet 300 is the first race in the Dash 4 Cash program, with a $100,000 bonus on the line. Drivers competing for the prize include reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Jesse Love, and Sam Mayer. The highest finisher among these four will claim the bonus.
- Milestone Watch for Richard Childress Racing (RCR): Both Austin Hill and Jesse Love are aiming to secure RCR’s 100th Xfinity Series win, a feat achieved by only two other teams—Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.
- Kyle Larson’s Return: NASCAR Cup Series regular Kyle Larson will make his first Xfinity start of the season, driving the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Larson, a former Homestead winner, is among the favorites to win.
Drivers to Watch
- Justin Allgaier: Fresh off his first win of the season at Las Vegas, Allgaier leads the championship standings and has momentum on his side.
- Austin Hill: The defending race winner at Homestead, Hill has shown strong form on 1.5-mile tracks and is a top contender.
- Sam Mayer: A past winner at Homestead, Mayer’s consistency and experience make him a strong candidate for the Dash 4 Cash prize.
- Kyle Larson: With his Cup Series experience and past success at Homestead, Larson is a major threat to the Xfinity regulars.
Recent Form
- Justin Allgaier: Leads the standings with a 19-point advantage over Jesse Love. He dominated at Las Vegas, leading 102 laps en route to victory.
- Austin Hill: Currently third in the standings, Hill has been a consistent performer this season and is looking to add another win to his resume.
- Jesse Love: The Atlanta race winner is second in the standings and has been a revelation in his rookie season.
Race Dynamics
Homestead-Miami Speedway’s variable banking allows for side-by-side racing and multiple passing opportunities. Tire management will be crucial, as the abrasive surface can lead to significant wear over long runs. Teams will need to balance speed and durability to stay competitive.