The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season roars into the heart of Tennessee this weekend as the series gears up for its 14th race of the year—the Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville Superspeedway. Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, the green flag is set to wave at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage live on CW and PRN. With 40 drivers entered for just 38 starting spots, the tension will begin beneshfore the race even starts, as a couple of competitors will miss the cut.
As NASCAR fans prepare for the fifth annual running of this event on the 1.3-mile tri-oval, the entry list offers an intriguing mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and fresh faces looking to make their mark in one of the sport’s most competitive fields.
A Star-Studded Mix: From Cup Series Talent to Future Prospects
Saturday’s race will feature Cup Series regulars, Xfinity Series contenders, and even a few names from other forms of motorsports. Among the headline entries is Ross Chastain, who will step into the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style and high-energy performances in the Cup Series, adds a layer of intrigue and experience to the Xfinity field.
Another Cup Series veteran returning to the Xfinity grid is Aric Almirola, a past Cup winner who remains competitive in part-time efforts. Chase Briscoe, currently running full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in Cup, will take the wheel of the No. 19 car, adding more firepower to the JGR fleet in Nashville.
Also drawing attention is Katherine Legge in the No. 32 entry, one of the few women in the field and a driver with a diverse motorsports résumé including IndyCar, IMSA, and Formula E. Logan Bearden, Corey Day, and Thomas Annunziata represent the group of lesser-known but hungry competitors making rare or debut appearances in the Xfinity Series.
Of special note is Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 entry. Zilisch has been turning heads with his performance in Trans Am and other development series, and many eyes will be watching to see how he handles the step up in competition.
Entry List Battle: Not Everyone Will Make the Field
While most races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series see fewer than 38 entries, Nashville is one of those rare weekends where the field is overbooked. With 40 drivers entered and only 38 starting spots, the battle to qualify becomes a story of its own.
| Car # | Driver |
| 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 07 | Nick Leitz |
| 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 2 | Jesse Love |
| 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 5 | Kris Wright |
| 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 9 | Ross Chastain |
| 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 11 | Josh Williams |
| 14 | Logan Bearden |
| 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 17 | Corey Day |
| 18 | William Sawalich |
| 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 21 | Austin Hill |
| 24 | Jeffrey Earnhardt |
| 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 32 | Katherine Legge |
| 35 | TBA |
| 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 45 | Brad Perez |
| 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 53 | Mason Maggio |
| 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 70 | Thomas Annunziata |
| 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 91 | Myatt Snider |
| 99 |
This adds pressure on part-time teams and smaller operations like the No. 07 driven by Nick Leitz, and the No. 66 driven by Mason Maggio, both of whom will likely need to qualify on speed alone. Unlike chartered teams in the Cup Series, most Xfinity Series entries must earn their spots through practice times and qualifying results, making Friday’s sessions nearly as intense as Saturday night’s main event.
Missing out on the main event can be a tough blow for these teams, both financially and from a development standpoint. But it’s also a reminder of how deep and competitive the Xfinity Series has become. This weekend, that depth will be tested on a concrete surface that demands both speed and tire management.
Looking Back: 2024’s Winner Sits This One Out
Last year’s Tennessee Lottery 250 saw John Hunter Nemechek dominate, crossing the finish line with a time of 1 hour, 57 minutes, and 36 seconds. But fans hoping for a repeat performance will be disappointed—Nemechek is not entered in this year’s event.
Instead, the Joe Gibbs Racing stable will be led by Brandon Jones in the No. 20 and William Sawalich in the No. 18. JGR has historically performed well at Nashville, and this year’s team has the potential to keep that trend going even without last year’s winner in the mix.
Other former winners or consistent contenders, such as Justin Allgaier (No. 7), Austin Hill (No. 21), and Sam Mayer (No. 41), are expected to be threats for the win. Allgaier, in particular, has shown strength on concrete tracks like Nashville and Bristol, making him a driver to watch as the race unfolds.
News in Brief: Stacked Field Sets Stage for Saturday Night Showdown
With a jam-packed entry list, a mix of veterans and rookies, and only 38 grid spots available, the 2025 Tennessee Lottery 250 promises to deliver one of the most unpredictable and entertaining races of the Xfinity Series season. Fans in the grandstands and watching on CW are in for a treat as the sport’s future stars battle seasoned Cup veterans under the lights at Nashville Superspeedway.
From Ross Chastain’s return to the Xfinity scene to underdog stories waiting to unfold during qualifying, this race has all the makings of a weekend highlight. Whether you’re following a favorite or scouting future Cup talent, the Tennessee Lottery 250 will be a race to remember.
