2025 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas: What to Expect

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Pennzoil 400, marking the first big test of the season on a 1.5-mile intermediate track. Known for high-speed action and multi-groove racing, Vegas often delivers thrilling finishes and intense strategic battles. This race will give teams a solid indicator of where they stand on intermediate ovals, where the Next Gen car excels.

Key Drivers to Watch

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson are the top threats heading into Sunday’s race. Bell is the obvious pick right now as he’s been on fire this season and has also had success at Vegas, finishing runner-up last fall. Trustfully, Hendrick Motorsports as a whole is something to look out for, with Bowman and Byron both having won here in the past. Larson, however, has been dominant at Vegas, winning two of the last three races, and has proven time and again that he’s one of the best on intermediates.

What to Expect This Weekend

This race is a crucial test for teams to fine-tune their intermediate track setups for the season. Unlike short tracks and superspeedways, Las Vegas rewards consistent speed, tire management, and pit strategy. These are all key elements for success in some of the most important races later in the season.

Weather could also play a role, as fluctuating temperatures may impact tire wear and handling. A cooler track provides more grip, which could lead to a more aggressive race with multiple racing lanes. Pit road execution will be critical; with likely long green-flag runs, flawless pit stops and adjustments could make all the difference. Though rain isn't often mentioned in Vegas, it did affect NASCAR and the Craftsman Truck Series, causing a significant rain delay on Friday night.

Where to Watch

The Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube is on Sunday, March 16, with the green flag at 3:30 p.m. ET. You can catch the race on FS1, with coverage available on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

What We’ve Learned So Far

As the fifth race of the season, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is beginning to take shape. Christopher Bell has solidified himself as the driver to beat with three wins already, putting him at the top of the championship conversation. Ironically, he’s not currently leading the points, sparking discussions about whether the old points system might have been better after all. A driver winning 75% of the races sitting second to William Byron, the Daytona 500 champion, is a curious outcome.

NASCAR has been facing criticism from both officials and teams. Just two days ago, NASCAR changed the open exemption provisional (OEP) rules they had implemented earlier this year. Originally, drivers who hadn’t competed in the sport could use the OEP to enter races. However, now they must take the OEP if granted, meaning the field would immediately expand to 41 cars, rather than waiting for the driver to fail qualifying.

This change also removes any chance for drivers using the OEP to earn prize money, as they won’t qualify as one of the 40 cars. NASCAR has also stated that they have full discretion on which races the OEP can be used for, leaving some races potentially ineligible for the exemption.

The ongoing tweaks and controversies are a sign that NASCAR is paying close attention to the integrity and competitiveness of the series as it continues to evolve. Interestingly enough this initiative has become more prominent during the currently legal battles between NASCAR and 23XI & Front Row Motorsports.