Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 Entry List: The entry list for the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington Raceway highlights a strong assembly of talent and machinery that emphasizes the event’s prestige within the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a roster featuring 38 competitors, including seasoned drivers like William Byron and emerging talents such as John Hunter Nemechek, the race is set to offer a compelling narrative of skill, strategy, and speed. Additionally, the participation of vehicles from leading manufacturers—Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota—enhances the competitive intensity. This convergence of top-tier drivers and advanced automotive technology invites speculation on who will master the challenging track known as ‘The Lady in Black’.
Key Takeaways
- The race features 38 cars, including entries from top manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota.
- Notable drivers include William Byron in the No. 17 Chevrolet and Aric Almirola in the No. 20 Toyota.
- Josh Bilicki takes over the No. 92 car, adding fresh competition to the lineup.
- The entry list includes strong teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Kaulig Racing.
- Darlington Raceway’s challenging track will test the skill and precision of each driver in the lineup.
Overview of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200, set to take place at Darlington Raceway, marks the highly anticipated 11th race of the 2024 season, featuring a full lineup of 38 cars competing in this celebrated event. This race not only serves as an important turning point in the championship but also highlights the unique challenges of Darlington Raceway, known as ‘The Lady in Black’ for its notorious track surface and configuration.
Darlington’s historic 1.366-mile oval, with its egg-shaped design, demands exceptional skill and precision from drivers, who must navigate its asymmetrical turns and abrasive surface that aggressively wears tires. This track’s layout is a result of the compromise made during its construction, due to the presence of a minnow pond the owner refused to relocate. This has led to a track famous for its ‘Darlington Stripe’—a mark left on cars as they brush against the outside wall while trying to maintain high speeds through the turns.
In this race, each of the 38 entries has a guaranteed spot, eliminating the stress of qualifying but intensifying focus on strategy and execution. Teams will need to balance aggressive racing with tire conservation, a critical component at Darlington where tire degradation can significantly impact performance.
Notable Entries and Drivers
Several compelling entries and distinguished drivers stand out in the lineup for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington Raceway. Among these, William Byron’s return to the No. 17 car for Hendrick Motorsports marks a significant moment. Byron is making his second Xfinity start of the season and his third for Hendrick’s Xfinity team. He placed 23rd at Phoenix in this particular car. Byron, known for his sharp tactical approach and aggressive driving style, brings a blend of youth and experience that could dominate the challenging track at Darlington.
Aric Almirola’s comeback in the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing is another highlight. Almirola, with his extensive experience and previous successes, is expected to utilize his strategic skills to navigate the complexities of the race. In this car, Almirola claimed victory at Martinsville, while Ryan Truex emerged victorious in the latest Xfinity race at Dover Motor Speedway.
John Hunter Nemechek, taking the wheel of the No. 26 for Sam Hunt Racing again, is notable for his adaptability and keen race sense. Nemechek has showcased strong performance at Darlington in this car, securing one top-five finish and two top-10 finishes across two races. Corey Heim took the wheel of the car at Dover.
Lastly, the mystery surrounding the driver for Joey Gase Motorsports’ No. 35 adds suspense and strategic intrigue to the lineup. Meanwhile, Josh Bilicki’s return to the No. 92 for DGM Racing, replacing Kaden Honeycutt, suggests a strategic move by the team to bring in a more seasoned driver for the challenging Darlington race. This decision highlights the critical nature of experience and familiarity with the track in achieving a commendable finish.
Entry List for the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200
Here is the detailed entry list for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington Raceway, detailing drivers, teams, and sponsors participating in this anticipated event. The lineup features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each ready to make an impact at one of the most storied tracks in NASCAR history. This race promises to be a demonstration of strategic skill and driving ability, with a diverse array of teams and sponsors enhancing the competitive landscape.
Entry | Car# | Driver | Organization | Crew Chief | Manufacturer | Sponsor |
1 | 00 | Cole Custer | Stewart Haas Racing | Jonathan Toney | Ford | Haas Automation Throwback |
2 | 1 | Sam Mayer | JR Motorsports | Mardy Lindley | Chevrolet | RTIC Outdoors |
3 | 2 | Jesse Love | Richard Childress Racing | Danny Stockman | Chevrolet | Whelen |
4 | 4 | Dawson Cram | JD Motorsports | Kevin Cram | Chevrolet | Prolube Oil |
5 | 5 | Anthony Alfredo | Our Motorsports | Joshua Graham | Chevrolet | Chevy Accessories |
6 | 6 | Garrett Smithley | JD Motorsports | Kase Kallenbach | Chevrolet | |
7 | 7 | Justin Allgaier | JR Motorsports | Jim Pohlman | Chevrolet | BRANDT Heritage |
8 | 8 | Sammy Smith | JR Motorsports | Adam Wall | Chevrolet | TMC |
9 | 9 | Brandon Jones | JR Motorsports | Phillip Bell | Chevrolet | Menards/Bali |
10 | 11 | Josh Williams | Kaulig Racing | Kevin Walter | Chevrolet | Call811.com |
11 | 15 | Hailie Deegan | AM Racing | Joe Williams | Ford | Airbox |
12 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger | Kaulig Racing | Alex Yontz | Chevrolet | LeafFilter Gutter Protection |
13 | 17 | William Byron (i) | Hendrick Motorsports | Brandon McSwain | Chevrolet | HendrickCars.com |
14 | 18 | Sheldon Creed | Joe Gibbs Racing | Sam McAulay | Toyota | Ivan Stewart Tribute |
15 | 19 | Taylor Gray (i) | Joe Gibbs Racing | Seth Chavka | Toyota | Operation 300 |
16 | 20 | Aric Almirola | Joe Gibbs Racing | Tyler Allen | Toyota | He Gets Us |
17 | 21 | Austin Hill | Richard Childress Racing | Andy Street | Chevrolet | Bennett Transportation |
18 | 26 | John Hunter Nemechek (i) | Sam Hunt Racing | Kris Bowen | Toyota | Toyota Racing Development |
19 | 27 | Jeb Burton | Jordan Anderson Racing | Shane Whitbeck | Chevrolet | Capital City Towing |
20 | 28 | Kyle Sieg | RSS Racing | Michael Scearce | Ford | |
21 | 29 | Blaine Perkins | RSS Racing | Steve Addington | Ford | |
22 | 31 | Parker Retzlaff | Jordan Anderson Racing | Chad Kendrick | Chevrolet | FUNKAWAY |
23 | 35 | TBA | Joey Gase Motorsports | Wayne Carroll Jr. | Chevrolet | |
24 | 38 | Matt DiBenedetto | RSS Racing | Kevin Johnson | Ford | |
25 | 39 | Ryan Sieg | RSS Racing | Matt Noyce | Ford | Sci Aps |
26 | 42 | Leland Honeyman Jr | Young’s Motorsports | Andrew Abbott | Chevrolet | RANDCO Industries |
27 | 43 | Ryan Ellis | Alpha Prime Racing | Keith Wolfe | Chevrolet | Classic Collision |
28 | 44 | Brennan Poole | Alpha Prime Racing | Frank Kerr | Chevrolet | CW & Sons Infrastructure |
29 | 48 | Parker Kligerman | Big Machine Racing | Patrick Donahue | Chevrolet | Spiked Lite Coolers |
30 | 51 | Jeremy Clements | Jeremy Clements Racing | Mark Setzer | Chevrolet | Alliance Driveway Solutions |
31 | 81 | Chandler Smith | Joe Gibbs Racing | Jeff Meendering | Toyota | Smith General Contracting |
32 | 88 | Carson Kvapil | JR Motorsports | Andrew Overstreet | Chevrolet | Clarience Technologies |
33 | 91 | Kyle Weatherman | DGM Racing | Mario Gosselin | Chevrolet | |
34 | 92 | Josh Bilicki | DGM Racing | Bryan Berry | Chevrolet | Circle B Diecast |
35 | 97 | Shane Van Gisbergen | Kaulig Racing | Bruce Schlicker | Chevrolet | Quad Lock |
36 | 98 | Riley Herbst | Stewart Haas Racing | Davin Restivo | Ford | Terrible Herbst |
37 | 107 | Patrick Emerling | SS-Green Light Racing | Paul Clapprood | Chevrolet | Liberty Brew |
38 | 114 | David Starr | SS-Green Light Racing | Jason Miller | Ford | SHAR |
The entry list highlights a variety of manufacturers such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, each bringing their top-tier vehicles and technology to the forefront. Key entries include Cole Custer in the No. 00 Ford for Stewart Haas Racing, sporting the Haas Automation Throwback colors, and William Byron (i) driving the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, representing HendrickCars.com. Moreover, the field sees AJ Allmendinger in the No. 16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, carrying the LeafFilter Gutter Protection branding.
- Manufacturer Representation: Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota vehicles are all present, highlighting the technological rivalry and engineering excellence in NASCAR.
- Sponsorship Variety: From automotive industry giants to local businesses, the range of sponsors such as RTIC Outdoors, Whelen, and Airbox demonstrates the broad commercial appeal and financial backing of the teams.
- Driver Mix: The blend of experienced drivers like AJ Allmendinger and rising stars such as Hailie Deegan in the No. 15 Ford for AM Racing reflects the dynamic talent pool and the mentorship roles within teams.
News in Brief: Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 Entry List
The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington Raceway presents a compelling roster of competitors that highlights the race’s significance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The diversity of participants and manufacturers, including seasoned drivers and promising newcomers, not only sets the stage for competitive dynamics but also strategic intrigues characteristic of this prestigious event.
This lineup guarantees that the race will be a crucial display of talent and engineering excellence within the motorsports community.
ALSO READ: Kyle Larson Wins Kansas Cup Race in Historic Finish