The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs are set to launch under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway with Friday night’s Food City 300. Known for its relentless pace and tight racing on the half-mile oval, this event doubles as the first test in the Round of 12. With 39 entries filed but only 38 spots available, one hopeful will be sent home after qualifying, sharpening the intensity ahead of the elimination rounds that shape the championship path.
Key Highlights
39 cars entered for Bristol, but only 38 will qualify for the race.
Connor Zilisch returns in JR Motorsports’ No. 88 after winning at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Corey Day makes his Bristol start in Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 Chevrolet.
Brenden Queen continues his run with Kaulig Racing in the No. 11 entry.
One driver and team will be eliminated during qualifying before the green flag.
Connor Zilisch Back in Spotlight After Victory
Connor Zilisch, fresh off his triumph at World Wide Technology Raceway, carries momentum into Bristol. Piloting the No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Zilisch is again in the spotlight as he seeks to translate last week’s success into a strong playoff-opening performance.
The young driver’s ability to adapt quickly has already drawn attention, and Bristol’s high banks present a fresh challenge in his rising career. His role is further magnified with JR Motorsports fielding four strong entries, including veterans Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer, who both have playoff ambitions of their own.
Notable Entries Add Depth to Field
Among the 39 drivers entered, several notable names bring intrigue to Bristol’s entry list. Corey Day is set for his appearance with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 17 Chevrolet, carrying backing from HendrickCars.com. Brenden Queen continues his Kaulig Racing run in the No. 11 Chevrolet with Action Industries as sponsor, while Jeffrey Earnhardt pilots Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 24 Toyota.
| S. No. | Entry # | Driver |
| 1 | 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 2 | 07 | Carson Ware |
| 3 | 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 4 | 2 | Jesse Love |
| 5 | 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 6 | 5 | Stefan Parsons |
| 7 | 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 8 | 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 9 | 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 10 | 11 | Brenden Queen |
| 11 | 14 | Garrett Smithley |
| 12 | 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 13 | 17 | Corey Day |
| 14 | 18 | William Sawalich |
| 15 | 19 | Aric Almirola |
| 16 | 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 17 | 21 | Austin Hill |
| 18 | 24 | Jeffrey Earnhardt |
| 19 | 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 20 | 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 21 | 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 22 | 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 23 | 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 24 | 32 | Austin Green |
| 25 | 35 | Glen Reen |
| 26 | 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 27 | 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 28 | 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 29 | 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 30 | 45 | Josh Williams |
| 31 | 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 32 | 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 33 | 53 | Joey Gase |
| 34 | 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 35 | 70 | Leland Honeyman |
| 36 | 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 37 | 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 38 | 91 | Josh Bilicki |
| 39 | 99 | Matt DiBenedetto |
Austin Green, competing for Jordan Anderson Racing, enters in the No. 32 Chevrolet, adding another storyline to a diverse field. These drivers, alongside Carson Ware, Glen Reen, Joey Gase, and Josh Bilicki, bring experience and hunger as the grid shapes up.
Playoff Pressure Builds at the Coliseum of NASCAR
As the first race of the Xfinity Series Round of 12, Bristol’s Food City 300 holds significant playoff weight. Every point matters on the short track where passing comes at a premium. Jesse Love, Austin Hill, and Sheldon Creed represent Richard Childress Racing and Haas Factory Team with strong expectations, while Joe Gibbs Racing brings a four-car arsenal led by Brandon Jones, Aric Almirola, and William Sawalich.
The elimination format raises the stakes, with drivers under pressure to avoid mistakes that could derail their championship chances. Bristol’s reputation for contact ensures that the Playoff opener will test patience and endurance alike.
News in Brief: 2025 Food City 300 Entry List
The preliminary entry list for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol features 39 cars, with only 38 permitted to start. Connor Zilisch returns in JR Motorsports’ No. 88 after his Gateway win, joined by key entries including Corey Day, Brenden Queen, and Jeffrey Earnhardt. The lineup features talent from powerhouse teams and independent organizations, but one car will miss the field after qualifying. The Food City 300 begins the Round of 12 in the Playoffs.
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