This weekend, Rockingham Speedway will come alive once again with the roar of NASCAR engines, but there’s a twist—only 38 drivers can make the cut. The race is shaping up to be a spectacular one, but with 40 cars on the entry list, the pressure is on. Who will make it to the starting grid, and who will be sent home?
But there’s more than just bragging rights on the line this weekend—it’s about proving who’s got what it takes to race at Rockingham. With qualifying right around the corner, this is one event fans won’t want to miss.Â
Notable Entries and Key Drivers
Among the standout names on the entry list, the return of Kasey Kahne is certainly generating buzz. The former NASCAR Cup Series driver and multi-time race winner will make his return to competition in the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. It has been several years since Kahne last competed in a NASCAR event, making this return all the more intriguing for fans. Kahne’s experience and expertise could make him a strong contender, and many will be watching closely to see how he fares at Rockingham.
Another driver to watch is Patrick Emerling, who will be driving the No. 07 car for SS-GreenLight Racing. Emerling has shown steady improvement in recent years, and a strong performance in this race could help him secure a solid position in the Xfinity Series standings.
Katherine Legge, who is entering the race for Jordan Anderson Racing, is another entry that adds an element of excitement. Legge’s experience in various racing series around the world brings a unique perspective to the field. Her participation in this race is sure to attract attention, especially given her diverse motorsports background.
Other notable drivers include Justin Bonsignore, a familiar face for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 19 car, and the young and talented Sheldon Creed in the No. 00 car for Haas Factory Team. Both drivers will be looking to make their mark and possibly score their first wins in the Xfinity Series.
# | Car # | Driver |
1 | 00 | Sheldon Creed |
2 | 07 | Patrick Emerling |
3 | 1 | Carson Kvapil |
4 | 2 | Jesse Love |
5 | 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
6 | 5 | Kris Wright |
7 | 7 | Justin Allgaier |
8 | 8 | Sammy Smith |
9 | 10 | Daniel Dye |
10 | 11 | Josh Williams |
11 | 14 | Garrett Smithley |
12 | 16 | Christian Eckes |
13 | 18 | William Sawalich |
14 | 19 | Justin Bonsignore |
15 | 20 | Brandon Jones |
16 | 21 | Austin Hill |
17 | 25 | Harrison Burton |
18 | 26 | Dean Thompson |
19 | 27 | Jeb Burton |
20 | 28 | Kyle Sieg |
21 | 31 | Blaine Perkins |
22 | 32 | Katherine Legge |
23 | 33 | Kasey Kahne |
24 | 35 | Greg Van Alst |
25 | 39 | Ryan Sieg |
26 | 41 | Sam Mayer |
27 | 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
28 | 44 | Brennan Poole |
29 | 45 | Vicente Salas |
30 | 48 | Nick Sanchez |
31 | 51 | Jeremy Clements |
32 | 53 | TBA |
33 | 54 | Taylor Gray |
34 | 70 | Thomas Annunziata |
35 | 71 | Ryan Ellis |
36 | 74 | Dawson Cram |
37 | 87 | Austin Green |
38 | 88 | Connor Zilisch |
39 | 91 | Josh Bilicki |
40 | 99 |
The Drama of Qualifying and Who Might Be Sent Home
With only 38 spots available in the race and 40 cars on the entry list, the pressure will be on during qualifying. Two drivers will unfortunately not make the cut, which is always a tense situation in the Xfinity Series. While every driver on the entry list has the potential to make a strong showing, qualifying will ultimately determine who gets to race and who will be sent home.
The field includes a mix of established teams and smaller operations, and the qualifying sessions will be an important opportunity for these smaller teams to prove they have what it takes to compete on the same stage as the more experienced drivers. It’s possible that some surprise performances during qualifying could lead to a shake-up in the final race lineup.
One factor to consider is the varied level of experience among the drivers. Veterans like Kasey Kahne and Justin Allgaier are expected to perform well, but the race is often unpredictable, and younger drivers like Austin Hill and Daniel Dye may also surprise and grab the spotlight in the qualifying session.
News In Brief: North Carolina Education Lottery 250
The North Carolina Education Lottery 250 promises to be an exciting race filled with drama, talented drivers, and intense qualifying action. As the NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Rockingham Speedway, the list of entries is brimming with talent, with some familiar names and exciting newcomers hoping to make a splash. With only 38 starting spots available, the qualifying session will be a tense and thrilling spectacle, as two drivers will be left behind. Fans can look forward to an action-packed weekend as they witness the next chapter in NASCAR Xfinity Series history unfold at this iconic track.
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