2025 Cracker Barrel 400 Preview: NASCAR Heads to Nashville

Last time out, Ross Chastain punched his playoff ticket with a massive win in the Coca-Cola 600. Chastain will look to build off that momentum as NASCAR hits the concrete at Nashville Superspeedway for the 2025 Cracker Barrel 400.

Can Ross notch a second straight victory, or will another driver claim the checkered flag as the Cup Series visits Music City in 2025? Let’s dive in.

2025 Cracker Barrel 400 Entry List

For the second time this season, Corey Heim makes a start in the Cup Series. Heim once again pilots the #67 for 23XI Racing. Joining Heim as open entries this weekend are JJ Yeley in the #44 and Chad Finchum in the #66.

The chartered entries remain unchanged for this weekend’s race at Nashville Superspeedway.

Speed looks good from up here. 😍#CB400 | #GuitarsAndFastCars pic.twitter.com/ctHcRai9J1

— Nashville Superspeedway (@NashvilleSuperS) May 30, 2025

The circuit represents a unique challenge for NASCAR teams. Unlike most intermediate tracks, Nashville features an entirely concrete racing surface, whereas most tracks feature asphalt. The concrete surface means Nashville Superspeedway changes less with the weather, making for more consistent handling. Concrete also tends to create more tire wear, though that doesn’t ring as true for the NASCAR NextGen car.

The racing on Sunday likely plays out similar to other intermediate-style circuits, with aeroblocking on display as drivers look to find different grooves to complete passes.

2025 Cracker Barrel 400 Race Predictions

I expect the usual cast of characters to run up front at Nashville Superspeedway come Sunday.

Chevrolet holds three of the four wins at Nashville Superspeedway since the Cup Series first started racing here back in 2021. Hendrick Motorsports won with Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott in ’21 and ’22, and the aforementioned Ross Chastain won in 2023.

Another @NashvilleSuperS win would be music to @chaseelliott's ears. pic.twitter.com/cvGLwDwuYc

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 30, 2025

Last year, Joey Logano won in a race that featured the most overtimes of all time. I expect the race to be a bit calmer this time around.

For my official race winner pick, I expect Hendrick Motorsports to get back to victory lane at Nashville. William Byron is my race winner pick for the 2025 Cracker Barrel 400.

Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.

Friday 05/30

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 4:10 p.m. CT on FS1

Rackley Roofing 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 7:00 p.m. CT on FS1

Saturday 05/31

NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 2:10 p.m. CT on the CW App

NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 4:40 p.m. CT on Prime

Tennessee Lottery 250 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on the CW

Sunday 06/01

Cracker Barrel 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 6:00 p.m. CT on Prime and Max

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