The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship is primed for a thrilling contest as Phoenix Raceway welcomes a packed field for the season’s climactic race on November 2. Featuring 38 cars and a mix of iconic veterans, hungry rookies, and title-chasing stars, this year’s event promises high drama for fans of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
Phoenix Raceway’s entry list this year has expanded to 38, up from the usual 37, setting the scene for an unforgettable weekend. The official entries include beloved drivers, unexpected returns, and lineup changes that have the motorsports world buzzing with anticipation.
Packed Entry List for Phoenix’s Championship Race
Fans can expect a captivating lineup when the green flag drops this Sunday in Arizona. According to Joseph Srigley on October 27, 2025, the entry list highlights the return of Casey Mears in the No. 66 Garage Ford and JJ Yeley piloting the No. 44 NY Racing Team Ford as notable additions to the grid.
“There are 38 on the preliminary entry list for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. Notables: 44-Yeley, 66-Mears#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTcUqVkYqy” — Joseph Srigley
The race coverage will start at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast live on NBC, Peacock, HBO Max, and available for listeners on MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, showcasing the significance of this season-ending battle.
Spotlight on the Championship 4 and Their Road to Phoenix
The spotlight glows brightest on the quartet vying for the prestigious Bill France Cup: Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin from Joe Gibbs Racing, alongside William Byron and Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports. All four have traveled distinct paths to reach this decisive moment.
Byron clinched his spot through a clutch win at Martinsville, while Hamlin and Briscoe benefited from early playoff race victories. Larson, meanwhile, advanced on consistent postseason performance, echoing his championship-winning form from 2021. Their arrival at Phoenix reflects perseverance through an ultra-competitive season as Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing continue to define this era’s NASCAR rivalry.
Expanded Fields and New Opportunities for Emerging Talent
The 2025 edition is also notable for team and driver shakeups. 23XI Racing, underscoring its intent for greater success, adds a third car: the No. 35 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Toyota, piloted by Riley Herbst. Herbst, despite the challenges of his rookie season—with strong placements like 17th at the Daytona 500 contrasting with struggles such as a 36th at Martinsville—gets another chance to prove his potential among the sport’s elite.
This expanded field speaks to the willingness of organizations such as 23XI to shake up the competition, constantly seeking new ways to break through against long-standing powerhouses.
Veterans, New Faces, and Missing Legends
A diverse group rounds out the rest of Sunday’s roster. Zane Smith joins the Front Row Motorsports squad in the No. 38 Ford, aiming to cap off a memorable year, while Ross Chastain returns with Trackhouse Racing driving the No. 1 Chevrolet, eager to finish his playoff journey on a positive note.
Casey Mears brings years of experience back to Phoenix, and JJ Yeley’s appearance in the NY Racing Team Ford adds further intrigue for seasoned fans. However, the absence of seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who earlier in the year was on pace for his 700th start, is noticeable, although his impact remains ever-present as the next generation of drivers seeks to add to the sport’s rich history.
The shifting dynamics among teams show a balance of power in flux. Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing dominate the headline battle, while 23XI Racing’s expansion and Rick Ware Racing’s steady presence illustrate the evolving grid.
Anticipation Builds for a Defining Championship in the Desert
With 38 cars, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix is set for an emotional and intense showdown. Veterans, freshmen, and hopeful champions all have the desert in their sights, ready to write the next chapter of NASCAR lore. As the engines roar on November 2, a new champion will emerge, securing a legacy in one of motorsport’s most celebrated titles. The energy, unpredictability, and sheer volume of storylines guarantee Phoenix’s finale will leave a lasting mark on the NASCAR calendar.
There are 38 on the preliminary entry list for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. Notables: 44-Yeley, 66-Mears#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTcUqVkYqy
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) October 27, 2025
