Las Vegas Motor Speedway gears up for a wild weekend as NASCAR’s top drivers prepare for an intense battle. The 2025 Pennzoil 400 marks the fifth race of the season, pushing competitors through 267 grueling laps. Defending champion Kyle Larson returns, facing fierce rivals like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. With high stakes and cutting-edge Next Gen technology, the challenge grows even greater. As engines roar to life, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown on the 1.5-mile track.
Key Highlights
- The 2025 Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will feature 267 laps with top NASCAR drivers competing.
- The race is scheduled for March 16 and will be broadcast live on FS1 and PRN at 3:30 pm ET.
- Kyle Larson, the defending champion, returns alongside other notable drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano.
- The event promises intense competition as drivers aim for valuable points in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
- The Next Gen car will make its seventh appearance, showcasing NASCAR’s advancing racing technology.
Race Overview
The 2025 Pennzoil 400, scheduled for Sunday, March 16, is set to take place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
This race represents the fifth installment of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, broadcasting live on FS1 and PRN at 3:30 pm ET. As the seventh appearance of the Next Gen car at this venue, the event promises a display of cutting-edge automotive technology and driving skill.
The race unfolds over 267 laps, segmented into three distinct stages. The opening stage concludes after 80 laps, providing an early test of strategy and endurance.
Following the initial segment, Stage 2 mirrors the same lap count, ensuring consistency and challenge. The final stage extends to 107 laps, culminating the race in a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
Competitors will not only vie for victory but also seek to secure valuable points to enhance their standings in the season.
Track and Historical Background
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a prominent fixture in the NASCAR Cup Series, features a 1.5-mile tri-oval track known for its distinctive design and challenging layout.
The track’s asphalt surface includes 20 degrees of banking in each turn, offering drivers the chance to test their skills in high-speed tactics. The front and backstretch, with nine degrees of banking, provide a balanced challenge, demanding both precision and strategy from competitors.
It’s officially race week!
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— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 10, 2025
The Speedway entered the NASCAR scene in 1998, hosting its initial Cup Series race where Mark Martin claimed victory at the inaugural Pennzoil 400.
As the 28th annual Pennzoil 400 approaches, the anticipation grows for another thrilling contest. This year, 36 drivers will traverse 267 laps, covering a total of 400 miles, as they seek to etch their names in the venue’s storied history.
Notable Drivers and Defending Champion
Among the notable drivers at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR Weekend, Kyle Larson stands out as he returns to defend his title after a spectacular victory in last year’s Pennzoil 400.
Larson, driving the #5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, aims to replicate his past success on this challenging track. His skill and tactical racing abilities make him a formidable competitor enthusiastic to secure another win.
Joining him are other distinguished drivers, including Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, who, like Larson, have multiple wins at this venue. Their presence adds depth to the competition, promising an intense battle for supremacy.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, though not actively competing, remains the most successful driver in this event’s history, with four victories to his name.
This rich tapestry of talent and legacy sets the stage for an exhilarating weekend, as each driver seeks to etch their name in the annals of NASCAR glory.
Full Weekend Schedule
Fans and participants likewise can look forward to a packed schedule as the Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts its fifth official NASCAR weekend of the season.
Kicking off the excitement on Friday, March 14, 2025, the NASCAR Truck Series begins with practice at 3:35 pm ET, followed by qualifying at 4:40 pm ET. The NASCAR Xfinity Series practice is set for 6:05 pm ET, with qualifying at 7:10 pm ET, culminating in the Ecosave 200 at 9 pm ET.
Saturday, March 15, 2025, offers further thrills with the NASCAR Cup Series practice at 1:35 pm ET and qualifying at 2:40 pm ET. The day concludes with The LiUNA! event at 4:30 pm ET.
Sunday, March 16, 2025, features the weekend’s highlight, the Pennzoil 400, starting at 3:30 pm ET.
This carefully planned schedule guarantees an exhilarating three days of motorsport action.
News in Brief: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Gears Up for a Wild Weekend
As the weekend draws to a close, Las Vegas Motor Speedway stands as a demonstration to the thrilling competition it hosted. NASCAR’s finest drivers exhibited their skills on the challenging track, each vying for a coveted victory.
With the defending champion working hard to maintain their title and new contenders rising to the occasion, the races unfolded with intensity and precision. The event not only highlighted the drivers’ skill but also reinforced the Speedway’s reputation as a premier racing venue.
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