The recently released official list for the NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale at Daytona features Austin Hill and Casey Mears headlining the roster, as twenty competitors must win this race to secure a spot in the 2025 playoffs. The Austin Hill Daytona Cup entry list brings notable names and high stakes, promising a dramatic finish to the season at one of NASCAR’s hallmark tracks.
Overview of Drivers and Teams Lining Up at Daytona
This year’s entry list features 40 participants, composed of 36 full-time drivers along with four part-time teams rounding out the field. Among these part-time entries, Austin Hill stands out, as Richard Childress Racing slots him into the No. 33 Chevrolet for his third Cup start. Hill is recognized from the Xfinity Series, where he has already amassed four victories at Daytona across NASCAR‘s lower two divisions.
Casey Mears returns to the Cup Series in the No. 66 Ford from Carl Long’s team, marking his impressive 591st start at this level. Mears brings extensive experience to the grid and continues to be a notable presence within the field.
Additional Entrants Expand the Competition
The NY Racing Team has selected Joey Gase to pilot their No. 44 Chevrolet. Gase, who has made 92 prior appearances in the Cup Series—including a recent entry at Iowa where he finished 37th—adds further depth to the contest as he pursues a strong outing at Daytona.
Team owner B.J. McLeod is also in the lineup, set to drive the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet for his fourth Cup event this year. Notably, both of McLeod’s top finishes in the series have come at Daytona, highlighting his knack for competitive runs at this particular venue.
What Awaits as the Playoff Cutoff Approaches
This regular season finale carries major implications, with twenty drivers needing a win in order to advance into the 2025 playoffs. The entry of part-time drivers like Austin Hill, Casey Mears, Joey Gase, and B.J. McLeod increases both the unpredictability and competitive spirit of the race. As renowned teams such as Richard Childress Racing and NY Racing Team bring their talent to Daytona, fans and teams alike will be watching the outcome closely, aware that every move on the track could be decisive for those on the playoff bubble.
