The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval this weekend with a stacked entry list and playoff intensity. Saturday’s Blue Cross NC 250 cutoff race will determine the final Round of 8 field, and with 36 cars set to compete, every position could reshape the championship picture. The 2.28-mile, 17-turn course is notorious for deciding playoff fates, and this year brings added intrigue with fresh entries, double-duty drivers, and one rising star already looking toward the next level.
Key Highlights
- 36 cars are entered for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Roval.
- Daniel Hemric returns to Kaulig Racing in the No. 11 Chevrolet for the pivotal cutoff race.
- Connor Mosack joins JR Motorsports, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet, while Corey Day makes his Hendrick Motorsports debut in the No. 17.
- Regular-season champion Connor Zilisch is locked into the Round of 8 and will also race in Friday’s Truck Series event.
- Zilisch confirmed he will compete full-time in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026.
Playoff Stakes at the Roval
The Charlotte Roval is no stranger to chaos, and Saturday’s race will finalize the Xfinity Series Round of 8. Several drivers sit on the playoff bubble, leaving little room for error. A strong finish guarantees advancement, while trouble could end a championship bid. For regulars like Justin Allgaier and Jesse Love, every lap will matter in a race where strategy and survival share equal importance. This event has become one of the defining tests of NASCAR’s postseason schedule.
Notable Driver Changes and Entries
Daniel Hemric headlines the notable changes this weekend, returning to Kaulig Racing in the No. 11 Chevrolet. The 2021 Xfinity champion has Truck Series commitments but will make a key appearance on Saturday. Connor Mosack slides into JR Motorsports’ No. 9, bringing additional depth to the team’s playoff arsenal, while Corey Day earns his first Xfinity start with Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 17 Chevrolet. Each move adds intrigue as these drivers join the established full-timers for one of the year’s most unpredictable races.
Connor Zilisch Balances Present and Future
Xfinity Series regular-season champion Connor Zilisch has emerged as the central figure of the weekend. Already locked into the Round of 8 through points, the 19-year-old will compete in both the Truck and Xfinity races at Charlotte, using Friday’s laps as preparation for Saturday’s cutoff challenge.
Spire Motorsports made its intentions clear with a message on X (Twitter):
“Putting a winner in the truck.” – Spire Motorsports
Zilisch’s 2025 season has been exceptional, with nine wins and 19 top-five finishes in 27 starts. His trajectory now shifts toward 2026, when he will step up to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing.
“Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready.” – Connor Zilisch
“I know the challenge that awaits entering the Cup Series as a full-time driver, but I feel that with the support of Trackhouse and Chevrolet, this is the right situation for me.” – Connor Zilisch
Full Entry List Breakdown
The Charlotte Roval entry list features 36 cars, a deep mix of playoff contenders, rising prospects, and seasoned road-course competitors. Sheldon Creed returns in the No. 00, with Carson Kvapil in the No. 1 and Jesse Love in the No. 2. Justin Allgaier pilots the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, while Sam Mayer leads the No. 41 entry.
| Driver | Car No. |
|---|---|
| Sheldon Creed | 00 |
| Carson Kvapil | 1 |
| Jesse Love | 2 |
| Parker Retzlaff | 4 |
| Alex Labbe | 07 |
| Justin Allgaier | 7 |
| Sammy Smith | 8 |
| Connor Mosack | 9 |
| Daniel Dye | 10 |
| Daniel Hemric | 11 |
| Garrett Smithley | 14 |
| Christian Eckes | 16 |
| Corey Day | 17 |
| William Sawalich | 18 |
| Aric Almirola | 19 |
| Brandon Jones | 20 |
| Austin Hill | 21 |
| Kaz Grala | 24 |
| Harrison Burton | 25 |
| Dean Thompson | 26 |
| Jeb Burton | 27 |
| Kyle Sieg | 28 |
| Blaine Perkins | 31 |
| Andrew Patterson | 32 |
| Austin J. Hill | 35 |
| Kyle Sieg | 39 |
| Sam Mayer | 41 |
| Anthony Alfredo | 42 |
| Brennan Poole | 44 |
| Josh Williams | 45 |
| Nick Sanchez | 48 |
| Preston Pardus | 50 |
| Jeremy Clements | 51 |
| Sage Karam | 53 |
| Taylor Gray | 54 |
| Thomas Annunziata | 70 |
| Ryan Ellis | 71 |
| Austin Green | 87 |
| Connor Zilisch | 88 |
| Josh Bilicki | 91 |
| Leland Honeyman Jr. | 92 |
| Matt DiBenedetto | 99 |
Other key names include Aric Almirola in the No. 19, Austin Hill in the No. 21, and William Sawalich in the No. 18. Taylor Gray continues in the No. 54 Toyota, while road-course specialist Preston Pardus drives the No. 50. Matt DiBenedetto rounds out the list in the No. 99. With talent spread across the board, the Roval’s unique layout will test even the most skilled drivers.
News in Brief: Charlotte Roval Xfinity Entry List: 36 Cars for Playoff Cutoff
Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval will finalize the Round of 8, with 36 cars entered. Daniel Hemric returns to Kaulig Racing in the No. 11 Chevrolet, Connor Mosack joins JR Motorsports in the No. 9, and Corey Day makes his Hendrick debut in the No. 17. Regular-season champion Connor Zilisch, already locked in, will also compete in the Truck race and confirmed his 2026 Cup Series move with Trackhouse Racing. Don’t miss the Charlotte Roval showdown—tune in live for every playoff-defining lap.
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