Connor Zilisch is back, new names are set to debut, and two drivers won’t make the cut. That’s the story as 40 teams enter the 2025 BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. With just 38 spots available on the grid, the weekend’s qualifying session could bring heartbreak. From Hendrick Motorsports’ rising talent to veterans with something to prove, the lineup brings a mix of experience and opportunity to NASCAR’s “Monster Mile.”
Key Highlights
40 cars entered for Saturday’s BetRivers 200 at Dover
Only 38 cars will qualify for the race
Connor Zilisch returns in the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Jake Finch, Lavar Scott, and Rajah Caruth will make series starts
Two “TBA” entries remain unconfirmed for Joey Gase Motorsports
Connor Zilisch Leads the Spotlight, Jake Finch and Lavar Scott Make Their Debuts
Fresh off a victory at Sonoma Raceway, Connor Zilisch returns to the Xfinity Series with momentum and eyes on back-to-back wins. He’ll drive the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet with Carolina Carports backing. Zilisch’s road course expertise made waves last weekend, and Saturday presents a chance to prove he’s not just a one-track threat.
Meanwhile, the entry list includes several high-profile debuts. Jake Finch, son of former Cup Series team owner James Finch, will drive the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Finch is no stranger to stock car racing but will face a new level of pressure making his first start in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
Joining Finch in making his series debut is Lavar Scott, who pilots the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet. Scott, part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, brings fresh energy and a strong short track resume to Dover. His teammate Brennan Poole returns in the No. 44, offering support as Alpha Prime continues to develop talent.
Rajah Caruth, meanwhile, makes his first Xfinity Series start in three years. Driving the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet, Caruth’s return signals a second chance in a field full of rising stars and proven veterans. He’ll aim to leave a lasting impression on a weekend when every position matters.
Veterans, Wildcards, and a Tight Field
Alongside the rookies are seasoned names hoping to make noise in a packed field. Aric Almirola returns in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, backed by YoungLife. The veteran has shown strength in past Dover appearances and will try to translate that into a strong run Saturday.
Ryan Truex will drive the No. 24 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota, featuring New Jersey State Police sponsorship. Known for his success in past Xfinity starts, Truex remains a consistent threat when given competitive equipment.
Ross Chastain, running part-time in the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, adds even more depth to the field. With full-time Cup Series duties, his presence in Saturday’s race brings added excitement for fans and pressure for full-timers chasing points.
Also notable are William Sawalich in the No. 18, Sam Mayer in the No. 41, and Sheldon Creed in the No. 00—all part of established operations expected to contend at Dover.
The weekend could also be pivotal for drivers like Parker Retzlaff (No. 4), Christian Eckes (No. 16), and Jesse Love (No. 2), who continue their development in competitive equipment.
Two Must Go: The Math Behind 38-Starters
With 40 entries and just 38 available starting spots, two teams will be sent home following qualifying. Joey Gase Motorsports enters two cars—the No. 35 and No. 53—with both driver seats listed as “TBA.” These unconfirmed entries could be at risk without an experienced name or solid qualifying pace.
The No. 70 Cope Family Racing Chevrolet, driven by Leland Honeyman, could also be vulnerable depending on speed in time trials. Honeyman will need a clean lap and consistent pace to avoid the cut.
Qualifying takes on added significance under these circumstances. Even drivers in top-tier equipment will have to be precise, as a mistake could put them on the wrong side of the bubble.
Complete Entry List for BetRivers 200 at Dover
| Entry | 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 | Garrett Smithley |
| 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 17 | Jake Finch |
| 18 | William Sawalich |
| 19 | Aric Almirola |
| 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 21 | Austin Hill |
| 24 | Ryan Truex |
| 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 32 | Rajah Caruth |
| 35 | TBA |
| 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 45 | Lavar Scott |
| 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 53 | TBA |
| 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 70 | Leland Honeyman |
| 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 91 | Josh Bilicki |
| 99 | Matt DiBenedetto |
News in Brief: 2025 BetRivers 200 Entry List
Forty entries are set to compete in Saturday’s BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway, but only 38 will make the field. Returning winner Connor Zilisch leads a loaded lineup that includes multiple debuting drivers—Jake Finch, Lavar Scott, and Rajah Caruth. While teams like JR Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing bring familiar firepower, open teams with unconfirmed drivers will battle just to qualify. With just 14 races remaining in the season, every lap counts as contenders fight for points, pride, and playoff position at the Monster Mile.
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