The NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Entry has brought new intensity to the Kansas Speedway lineup, as bold moves from independent drivers threaten to disrupt established playoff hopes. As Connor Zilisch hunts records and favorites look toward the finish line, unexpected entries like Rajah Caruth and Brenden Queen promise to make the Kansas round of the series especially electric on Saturday.
Emerging Contenders Add Excitement to Kansas Lineup
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Kansas Speedway for the pivotal Round of 12, the event takes on added energy thanks to surprise entrants. Truck Series regular Rajah Caruth returns to the Xfinity fold, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports—a significant moment given it’s his first series start since the 2023 Phoenix finale. Caruth, who stands just above the Truck Series playoff cutoff, will use the Kansas appearance as both a competitive test and a key development step, leveraging his recent experience in both Trucks and limited Xfinity runs. Notably, Caruth finished second at Kansas in the ARCA Menards Series in 2022, adding to the anticipation.
“I feel extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity and for me, I think about how much I’ve grown since the last time I was fortunate enough to drive a race car out of this building,”
Caruth told HendrickMotorsports.com.
“I believe my experience I’ve accumulated the last few years in the Truck Series, and my partial Xfinity stuff will put me right where I need to be to run up front and hopefully have a good race.”
— Rajah Caruth, Driver
Brenden Queen, known for his momentum in the ARCA Menards Series, is set for his first Xfinity start on a 1.5-mile track, piloting the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing. This move injects further unpredictability into an already heated event. Queen’s entrance stands out as he adapts to a new car and stage, drawing attention from established names and adding an extra layer of excitement to the Kansas Lottery 300 starting grid. Kaulig Racing confirmed Queen’s participation, underscoring their confidence in the young driver and increasing fan attention for the series.
Packed Weekend Schedule at Kansas Speedway
This weekend’s schedule at Kansas Speedway is packed, promising multiple days of racing action across several series. Kicking off on Friday, ARCA Menards Series teams will gather for practice at 4:30 p.m., followed by qualifying at 5:30 p.m. The excitement continues into the evening with the ARCA Series Reese’s 150 race at 8 p.m.
Saturday becomes pivotal with Xfinity Series practice starting at 10:30 a.m. and qualifying taking place at 11:35 a.m. Cup Series drivers take to the track for practice at 1 p.m. and qualify at 2:10 p.m., setting the stage for the main event of the day—the Kansas Lottery 300 race at 4 p.m.
Fans can anticipate a climactic close to the weekend on Sunday, as the Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet begins at 3 p.m., rounding out a three-day stretch packed with high-stakes competition.
Kansas Lottery 300 Entry List Features Established Names and Rising Talents
The official entry list for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 reveals a blend of veterans, rising stars, and first-time competitors who collectively shape one of the most intriguing fields of the season. As Zilisch continues to push both career and seasonal records, drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Sheldon Creed, and Jesse Love will look to solidify their positions in the playoff standings.
The confirmed drivers for Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300 include:
1. Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
2. Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
3. Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
4. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
5. Nick Leitz, No. 07 Chevrolet
6. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
7. Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
8. Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
9. Brenden Queen, No. 11 Chevrolet
10. Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
11. Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
12. Rajah Caruth, No. 17 Chevrolet
13. William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
14. Justin Bonsignore, No. 19 Toyota
15. Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
16. Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
17. Patrick Staropoli, No. 24 Toyota
18. Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
19. Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
20. Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
21. Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
22. Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
23. Austin Green, No. 32 Chevrolet
24. TBA, No. 35 Toyota
25. Kyle Sieg, No. 39 Ford
26. Sam Mayer, No. 41 Ford
27. Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
28. Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
29. Mason Massey, No. 45 Chevrolet
30. Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
31. Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
32. Joey Gase, No. 53 Ford
33. Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
34. Leland Honeyman, No. 70 Chevrolet
35. Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
36. Kole Raz, No. 76 Ford
37. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
38. TBA, No. 91 Chevrolet
39. Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 Chevrolet
With Taylor Gray fighting to maintain his place in the playoff field, three points clear of Nicholas Sanchez and Jesse Love, and Sam Mayer reflecting on overseas karting and critical wins, the field represents a cross-section of experience and ambition. Notable entries like Kyle Sieg, Garrett Smithley, Joey Gase, and Anthony Alfredo add depth and unpredictability to the event.
A Weekend Set for Surprises and Standout Performances
As the weekend approaches, teams, drivers, and fans alike are bracing for a Kansas Speedway showdown filled with vivid storylines and potential shakeups. The inclusion of Rajah Caruth and Brenden Queen on the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Entry list symbolizes the evolving stage of the series, while established contenders aim to defend their ground against determined newcomers. Each round at Kansas often produces unexpected results, and this year’s event could prove pivotal in the playoff battle, as every point and every position will matter under the bright lights.
Brenden Queen will jump back in the No. 11 @Action_Ind Chevy to make his first @NASCAR_Xfinity Series start on a mile-and-a-half track this weekend at Kansas Speedway! 🤘 pic.twitter.com/pCfZAZpOC2
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) September 22, 2025
— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) September 19, 2025
Proven. Driven. Born to Perform is back!
Host @Bmcreynolds28 sits down with 8-time NASCAR Xfinity Series winner @sam_mayer_ in episode 5.
During his sit down at Club 28, Sam talks about:
🏎️ Overseas karting
👀 Clutch wins
📝 Interviewing his crew chiefClick the link in our… pic.twitter.com/kmHwah20vF
— Clear 28 Agency (@Clear28Agency) September 22, 2025
