Last week at Talladega, Austin Cindric claimed his first win of 2025 and punched his ticket to the postseason. He’ll look to keep that momentum going this week as NASCAR hits Texas Motor Speedway for the 2025 Wurth 400.
I’m on site for Apollo this weekend to cover the Cup Series, as well as the Xfinity and Craftsman Trucks from TMS. While rain has impacted the schedule today, it should clear out by the evening and set us up for an incredible weekend of NASCAR action.
Can Austin Cindric repeat his performance, or will another driver claim their first victory of 2025 and punch their playoff ticket? Let’s dive in.
2025 Wurth 400 Entry List
We only have two non-charter entries for Sunday’s race, with Chad Finchum and Jesse Love competing in the Wurth 400. This marks Jesse Love’s second Cup start of 2025 after he ran at Bristol earlier this year. Love will be behind the wheel of the #62 for Beard Motorsports. For Finchum, the Wurth 400 marks his first start of 2025 as he hops behind the wheel of the #66.
It all happens, May 4. 😤#WURTH400 | @wurthracing pic.twitter.com/6bm8Lyqh93
— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) April 18, 2025
Texas Motor Speedway has drawn a lot of criticism from both fans and drivers after the track changed banking in turns one and two in a repave. The racing has suffered from a lack of ability to produce multiple lanes and thus limiting passing opportunities.
However, I felt like we got some good racing last year during this race when Chase Elliott claimed victory. I still worry about the potential for side-by-side racing, but I’m more optimistic than I was when we hit Texas Motor Speedway last year.
2025 Wurth 400 Race Predictions
Track position is going to be a major factor in who wins this race on Sunday. In spite of my slight optimism, passing is going to be more difficult here at Texas Motor Speedway than on any other 1.5-mile track on the schedule. Keep an eye out for crew chiefs making bold strategy calls to try and flip their track position, as I believe whoever makes their way to the front will be able to stay there, thanks to how difficult it is to pass.
The magic number this week is 8️⃣. Who's your pick to make it nine different winners at @TXMotorSpeedway?
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 2, 2025
Presented by @MyStraightTalk. pic.twitter.com/RJjVvv2WYd
As for which driver will ultimately claim the win on Sunday, I keep circling back to Ryan Blaney as my race winner pick. Blaney runs well here, and I can’t help but feel his horrendous luck this season will turn around at some point.
While Blaney is my pick, Kyle Larson is also on my radar as the driver of the #5 has seen his fair share of success here at Texas Motor Speedway. Keep an eye on Bubba Wallace in the #23 as well. That team has put together a string of consistent runs and feels on the verge of a breakthrough.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 05/02
Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying Canceled Due to Weather
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 5:05 p.m. CT on the CW App
Speedycash.com 250 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 7:00 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 05/03
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 11:10 a.m. CT on Prime
Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 1:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 05/04
Wurth 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1 and Max
Stay locked into Apollo for more NASCAR and F1 Coverage throughout the racing season! Follow @CoachJayArnold and @ApolloHOU on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and check out our Instagram – Apollo NASCAR!
