Written by Gabriel Tsui & Bailey Defoor
Coming off a dramatic Round of 12 conclusion in Charlotte, the Cup and Xfinity Series’ travel to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to open the Round of 8.
The track has been a staple of the Cup and Xfinity schedules since 1998, usually appearing as a date in late-March to early-April. However, since 2018, this track has been a notable feature in the playoffs – producing moments like Kurt Busch’s stun-win in 2020 and the duel between Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell in 2023.
The track is 1.5 miles (2.414 kilometres) with banking of 20 degrees in the turns and nine degrees on the straights.
Below are the start times for each race plus lap count:
Xfinity: Saturday, 19 October, 16:30 local (00:30 UK) – 201 laps
Cup: Sunday, 20 October, 11:30 local (19:30 UK) – 267 laps
Cup Series: South Point 400 Preview
Written by Gabriel Tsui
Following a Round of 12 finale in Charlotte full of twists and turns, topped off with a shocking disqualification on Alex Bowman that led to Joey Logano barely advancing to the next round, we head to Las Vegas for the first contest of the Round of 8.
First held in 2018, the summer race/playoff race was first introduced as the first race of the playoffs. However, as seasons passed, the race found itself deeper and deeper into the playoff schedule, before settling in as the first race of the round of eight since 2022.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1.5 miles long tri-oval, with banking on the turns at 20 degrees. The drivers will be racing 267 laps around the track, with 80 laps each in the first two stages, then closing the race with 107 laps in the final stage, totalling a distance of 400.5 miles (644.5 kilometres) around the track.
The weather report indicates that there will be no precipitation during the race weekend, with temperatures ranging from 19-23 degrees Celsius (68-73 degrees Fahrenheit). The race will commence on the Sunday of 20 October, at 14:30 ET (11:30 PT, 20:30 CET).
Race Predictions
For the second race in a row, we head to a race track that is predominantly dominated by the Chevys. Ever since 2021, the Chevys has won five out of seven races in Las Vegas, with three of those being won by Kyle Larson, our pick to win this weekend.
On his road to reclaim the title, he has already won six races this season, with two of those being playoff wins. He has also won two consecutive races in Las Vegas, on the hunt for his third consecutive this weekend.
Alongside those already incredible stats, he has led 1614 laps all season, miles ahead of the next driver, Denny Hamlin with 918. Larson has been one of, if not, the most consistent drivers on the field, and with all the extraordinary performances Larson has been putting up this season, it is incredibly hard to bet against him.
Dread it, run from it, destiny arrives all the same.
Three things to look out for ahead of the race:
A renewed chance for Joey Logano
Joey Logano was done and dusted, being eliminated from playoff contention for a second consecutive year. However, a severe weight requirement violation by the No. 48 team led to disqualification from the race, and Logano was able to push through to the next round of racing. This gives Logano another chance to go out and fight for his third title, albeit it will be a long way to the top, as he is at the bottom of the playoff standings.
Regardless, Logano is definitely thanking his lucky stars for this second chance.
Swing for the fences: Go big or go home
One thing about the round of eight is that it can be incredibly competitive, and the conservative approach, such as taking three consecutive top-15 finishes will not work here. This is no time to play the “long game”, nor the time to take it easy. It is time to go big or go home; it is time where great drivers rise above the good drivers.
Green flag stops will determine the outcome of the race
Las Vegas is a track with relatively less caution compared to other tracks, meaning that teams may need to make a stop during the green flag period. These green flag stops will determine if they go home celebrating a great race or wondering what if they didn’t screw up the money stops. Some of the playoff pit crew are more prone to making mistakes during green flag stops, and it will make or break one’s race.
Xfinity Series: Ambetter Health 302 Preview
Written by Bailey Defoor
Coming off of a hectic race in Charlotte that saw a last-minute change for the lead, Xfinity heads to Las Vegas for the Ambetter Health 302. This is the first race of the Round of 8, and seven of the eight drivers have experienced being in the Round of 8 at some point in their careers. The lone rookie here is Jesse Love.
The playoff standings have reshuffled with narrowly qualifying Justin Allgaier now leading the standings 18 points above the cut. It will be interesting to see if anyone will secure their place in the Championship 4 this weekend.
Race Predictions
By the looks of it, Chevrolet cars seem to have the upper hand on this track in both the Cup series and Xfinity. There is a 50% win rate for Chevys in Xfinity alone! My pick scored well last week, and this track should suit his car well. For that reason, my pick is Austin Hill.
Storylines to look out for:
New man on track for 2025
Taylor Gray was announced to drive full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 54 next season. Debuting in 2021, Gray is ready to make his mark in the Xfinity series after doing well in the Truck and ARCA series. He will also be racing this weekend, so keep an eye out!
Mistakes with big implications
Last weekend at Charlotte saw a late yellow flag, and race control struggled to determine whether Parker Kligerman had begun the final lap. It was decided that he did not, the race was extended, and Kligerman lost the lead to Sam Mayer. This call denied Kligerman of his first Xfinity win and ended his championship chances.
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