As the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepares for its 13th points-paying race of the 2025 season, the spotlight turns to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the BetMGM 300. With 40 drivers entered, the field exceeds the maximum 38-car starting grid, meaning two drivers will not make the race. This annual trip to Charlotte’s famed 1.5-mile oval promises intense competition, with a blend of experienced veterans, Cup Series regulars, and promising young talent battling for victory. The full entry list, highlight notable competitors, and preview the key storylines heading into Saturday’s race.
The Battle for the Final Two Spots: Who Will Miss the Cut?
The NASCAR Xfinity Series limits starting fields to 38 cars, but this week’s BetMGM 300 entry list shows 40 drivers vying for those spots. The reality of two drivers being bumped before the green flag adds a layer of tension right from qualifying.
Among those fighting for a place on the grid are some under-the-radar entries and teams that often face the tough reality of qualifying for races with full fields. Joey Gase Motorsports has two entries—car numbers 35 and 53—with the latter still TBA. Mike Harmon Racing also fields car 74 with Dawson Cram behind the wheel. These smaller teams will have to put their best efforts forward during qualifying to secure a spot.
Meanwhile, well-funded teams and those with experienced drivers are almost guaranteed to make the field. The likes of Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and JR Motorsports bring multiple cars and proven talent, making the battle for the final spots an uphill climb for smaller outfits. It’s a reminder of the highly competitive nature of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and the challenges faced by smaller teams trying to make an impact.
NASCAR Cup Stars Head to Charlotte: Byron, Dillon, and Briscoe
One of the most exciting aspects of the BetMGM 300 is the participation of several NASCAR Cup Series regulars who bring additional star power and experience to the Xfinity field. Notable Cup drivers entered this weekend include William Byron, Austin Dillon, and Chase Briscoe—each piloting competitive cars with the aim of adding an Xfinity win to their resumes.
William Byron, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, is well-known for his speed and racecraft, making him a favorite among fans and competitors alike. Austin Dillon will be behind the wheel of the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, bringing years of experience and success at Charlotte to the table. Chase Briscoe, in the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, also has shown he can contend for victories in both the Xfinity and Cup Series.
The presence of these Cup stars raises the competition level and provides a valuable challenge for the up-and-coming Xfinity regulars, creating exciting racing for fans and plenty of storylines throughout the 300-mile event.
Young Guns and Rising Talent: Connor Zilisch, Katherine Legge, and Others to Watch
While Cup regulars draw much of the spotlight, the Xfinity Series remains a proving ground for future stars, and this weekend’s entry list includes several young drivers worth watching closely. Connor Zilisch returns for JR Motorsports in the No. 88 Chevrolet after recovering from a lower back injury. The 18-year-old has shown impressive skill and determination early in his career, and Charlotte offers a prime opportunity for him to continue building momentum.
| No. | Car # | Driver |
| 1 | 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 2 | 7 | Nick Leitz |
| 3 | 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 4 | 2 | Jesse Love |
| 5 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 6 | 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 7 | 5 | Kris Wright |
| 8 | 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 9 | 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 10 | 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 11 | 11 | Josh Williams |
| 12 | 14 | Garrett Smithley |
| 13 | 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 14 | 17 | William Byron |
| 15 | 18 | William Sawalich |
| 16 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 17 | 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 18 | 21 | Austin Hill |
| 19 | 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 20 | 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 21 | 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 22 | 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 23 | 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 24 | 32 | Katherine Legge |
| 25 | 35 | Carson Ware |
| 26 | 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 27 | 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 28 | 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 29 | 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 30 | 45 | Brad Perez |
| 31 | 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 32 | 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 33 | 53 | TBA |
| 34 | 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 35 | 70 | Leland Honeyman |
| 36 | 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 37 | 74 | Dawson Cram |
| 38 | 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 39 | 91 | CJ McLaughlin |
| 40 | 99 | Matt DiBenedetto |
Another notable young driver is Katherine Legge, driving the No. 32 Chevrolet for Jordan Anderson Racing. Legge, an accomplished driver in multiple racing disciplines, is carving out her own path in stock car racing and represents the increasing diversity and talent entering NASCAR’s feeder series.
Other up-and-comers like Jesse Love (No. 2 Richard Childress Racing), Christian Eckes (No. 16 Kaulig Racing), and Sam Mayer (No. 41 Haas Factory Team) round out a strong field of young contenders. These drivers are all aiming to make a statement at Charlotte, a track known for rewarding skill and tenacity.
News in Brief: 2025 BetMGM 300 Entry List
The 2025 BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway promises a thrilling race weekend filled with storylines both on and off the track. From the pressure of qualifying with two drivers set to miss the race, to the mix of Cup stars and rising talent ready to battle on the oval, fans can expect high drama and competitive racing. With seasoned veterans, hungry young drivers, and deep team lineups, this event encapsulates the spirit of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
As race day approaches, all eyes will be on the 38 drivers who earn their spot and then fight for every position on the track. Charlotte Motor Speedway has long been a stage for memorable moments, and the 2025 BetMGM 300 looks set to continue that tradition with fierce racing and compelling narratives.
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