This weekend, NASCAR returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the fifth points race of the Cup Series season, with the freshly announced Cup Series Las Vegas Entry List set for Sunday’s Pennzoil 400. The event features a full roster of drivers, marking the first 2026 race without participation from open cars.
Drivers Set for the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas
NASCAR’s Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as excitement builds for the Pennzoil 400. The entry list is now finalized for Sunday’s race, showcasing a competitive lineup. Notably, this is the first event of the season with no open entries, focusing the spotlight on chartered teams and drivers.
A key storyline centers around Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports, who is currently named as the entrant for the No. 48 car. Last week, Bowman was sidelined due to vertigo, and Anthony Alfredo filled in at Phoenix. If Bowman returns as planned, he will be racing from a position of 36th in the points standings, trailing 77 points behind the 16th-place spot required for The Chase.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s challenging layout always provides an opportunity for drivers and teams to make critical moves early in the season, with Cup Series regulars seeking to secure points and momentum as the year advances.
What to Watch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Pennzoil 400 entry list highlights consistent competitors alongside those looking to rebound or make their mark. As the season progresses, every race at this stage has potential playoff implications, especially for drivers like Alex Bowman striving to climb the standings. The absence of open cars this week sharpens the competition among charter teams vying for valuable points and a coveted victory in Las Vegas.
With the entry list now confirmed, anticipation grows for another competitive Cup Series weekend at Las Vegas, where teams aim to capitalize on early-season opportunities and set the tone for the races to come.