Pennzoil 250 Entry List: The Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway promises to be a mesmerizing spectacle, with an entry list featuring 39 formidable competitors from NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. The inclusion of high-caliber drivers like Cole Custer and Aric Almirola adds further intrigue to this storied venue. As engines roar to life on the iconic 2.5-mile oval, what strategies and surprises will unfold?
Key Highlights
- The Pennzoil 250 features 39 cars on the entry list for the 20th race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- Cole Custer leads the regular-season points and is a top contender at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- The absence of JD Motorsports from The Pennzoil 250 is noteworthy.
- Teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske bring experienced drivers to the competitive field.
- Up to 38 cars will qualify to start the race, adding pressure to the qualifying session.
The Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Pennzoil 250, marking the 20th race in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series, features a preliminary entry list of 39 cars set to compete at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This race, held at one of the most historic tracks in motorsports, promises to be an exciting chapter in the season, drawing all the experienced veterans and emerging stars.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, often referred to as ‘The Brickyard,’ is steeped in racing history, hosting the prestigious Indianapolis 500 since 1909. Its inclusion in the NASCAR Xfinity Series calendar enhances the significance of the Pennzoil 250, making it a crucial race for drivers looking to make their mark. The 2.5-mile oval, with its long straightaways and four distinct turns, presents unique challenges, demanding precision and tactical skill from competitors.
The entry list of 39 cars reflects a robust and competitive field. This array of entrants highlights the depth of talent and the intense nature of the Xfinity Series. Each team and driver on this list has gone through a rigorous selection and preparation process, aiming to secure a strong finish in one of the season’s standout events. With only 14 races remaining after Indianapolis, the Pennzoil 250 serves as a critical moment for those eyeing the championship and those looking to prove their abilities.
The presence of 39 cars also points to the logistical and tactical complexities teams must manage. From tire management to pit stop precision, every detail could influence the race outcome.
Significant Drivers and Teams
Among the 39 competitors slated for the Pennzoil 250, several drivers and teams stand out due to their recent performances and notable importance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Leading the charge is Cole Custer, the current regular-season points leader and recent victor at Pocono Raceway. Custer’s return in the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, backed by Haas Automation, positions him as a formidable contender, using his momentum and consistent form.
In contrast, the absence of JD Motorsports is noteworthy. Reports indicate the team has faced noteworthy operational challenges, including layoffs, casting doubt on their participation. Should they enter, it would be a late and unexpected move.
Several other remarkable teams and drivers are assured to make an impact. SS-GreenLight Racing, with entries expected to be piloted by Greg Van Alst in the No. 07 adds unpredictability. Daniel Dye, driving for Kaulig Racing in the No. 10, also brings fresh talent and potential to the race.
Veteran driver Aric Almirola will be in the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, a team known for its competitive edge and tactical skills. Alongside him, Joe Graf Jr. in the No. 19 car will seek to capitalize on the team’s strong historical performance. Conor Daly, representing Sam Hunt Racing in the No. 26, and Carson Kvapil in the No. 88 JR Motorsports car, are other drivers to watch, each bringing unique strengths and aspirations to Indianapolis.
Complete Entry List of The Pennzoil 250
Expanding on the highlighted drivers and teams that capture attention, the full lineup for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers a detailed view of the 39 competitors aiming for glory. This list is a combination of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each with their individual strategies and aspirations for the iconic Brickyard.
| Entry | Car # | Drivers | Teams |
| 1 | 00 | Cole Custer | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 2 | 07 | TBA (Greg Van Alst) | SS-GreenLight Racing |
| 3 | 1 | Sam Mayer | JR Motorsports |
| 4 | 2 | Jesse Love | |
| 5 | 5 | Anthony Alfredo | Our Motorsports |
| 6 | 7 | Justin Allgaier | JR Motorsports |
| 7 | 8 | Sammy Smith | JR Motorsports |
| 8 | 9 | Brandon Jones | JR Motorsports |
| 9 | 10 | Daniel Dye | Kaulig Racing |
| 10 | 11 | Josh Williams | Kaulig Racing |
| 11 | 13 | BJ McLeod | MBM Motorsports |
| 12 | 14 | TBA | SS-GreenLight Racing |
| 13 | 15 | Josh Berry | AM Racing |
| 14 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger | Kaulig Racing |
| 15 | 18 | Sheldon Creed | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 16 | 19 | Joe Graf, Jr. | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 17 | 20 | Aric Almirola | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 18 | 21 | Austin Hill | Richard Childress Racing |
| 19 | 26 | Conor Daly | Sam Hunt Racing |
| 20 | 27 | Jeb Burton | Jordan Anderson Racing |
| 21 | 28 | Kyle Sieg | RSS Racing |
| 22 | 29 | Blaine Perkins | RSS Racing |
| 23 | 31 | Parker Retzlaff | Jordan Anderson Racing |
| 24 | 35 | Joey Gase | Joey Gase Motorsports |
| 25 | 38 | Matt DiBenedetto | RSS Racing |
| 26 | 39 | Ryan Sieg | RSS Racing |
| 27 | 42 | Leland Honeyman | Young’s Motorsports |
| 28 | 43 | Ryan Ellis | Alpha Prime Racing |
| 29 | 44 | Brennan Poole | Alpha Prime Racing |
| 30 | 45 | Garrett Smithley | Alpha Prime Racing |
| 31 | 48 | Parker Kligerman | Big Machine Racing |
| 32 | 51 | Jeremy Clements | Jeremy Clements Racing |
| 33 | 81 | Chandler Smith | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 34 | 88 | Carson Kvapil | JR Motorsports |
| 35 | 91 | Kyle Weatherman | DGM Racing |
| 36 | 92 | Josh Bilicki | DGM Racing |
| 37 | 97 | Shane Van Gisbergen | Kaulig Racing |
| 38 | 98 | Riley Herbst | Stewart-Haas Racing |
Race Format and Qualifying Cut-off
In anticipation of the Pennzoil 250, the race format and qualifying cut-off will play a strategic role in shaping the competitive dynamics of the event. With up to 38 cars permitted to start each weekend in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the pressure mounts as one driver and team will face the cut-off mark following this week’s qualifying session. This constraint not only intensifies the competitive atmosphere but also serves as a critical moment for teams aiming to make their mark.
The qualifying process in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series traditionally involves a timed session where each car takes to the track individually, aiming to clock the fastest lap. This session is crucial, as it determines the starting grid for the race. A single misstep can render a team’s efforts futile, barring them from the main event. Historically, the cut-off has been a source of high drama, with numerous instances where seasoned drivers have found themselves on the wrong side of the line, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the sport.
Furthermore, the race format typically consists of three stages, designed to maintain high levels of excitement and tactical depth. Points are awarded at the end of each stage, incentivizing aggressive racing throughout. This format demands not just speed but also tactical skill, as teams must balance the immediate gain of stage points with the overall goal of a strong finish.
News in Brief: Pennzoil 250 Entry List
The Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway promises a thrilling contest, featuring a robust field of 39 cars. With seasoned drivers from prominent teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske, alongside emerging talents from independent teams, the race is set to be an intense spectacle.
Top contenders, including Cole Custer and Aric Almirola, add to the anticipation, ensuring an action-packed event at the historic Brickyard.
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