For the first time this season, a driver not named Tyler Reddick went to Victory Lane as Ryan Blaney claimed the checkered flag at Phoenix. NASCAR stays out West for the next track on the circuit as the best stock car drivers in the world take on Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the 2026 Pennzoil 400.
With NASCAR visiting the first non-drafting 1.5-mile circuit of the season, it feels like the season is really getting going now. Can Blaney go back-to-back, or will we see a new face finish first for the second straight week?
2026 Pennzoil 400 Entry List
Las Vegas will feature no open cars; only the 36 chartered entries will participate this week. However, as Alex Bowman continues to deal with issues, we’ll have a replacement driver behind the #48 once again. This time, Justin Allgaier will pilot the Ally Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
This is the only fast lane to the jackpot. pic.twitter.com/rYB2srAPb9
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 13, 2026
The 1.5-mile circuits continued to feature some excellent racing last year, including Las Vegas. Aeroblocking will undoubtedly play a role once more, but expect lots of passing and battles throughout the field. Strategy played a role here last Spring as well, so keep an eye out for action on pit road as well.
2026 Pennzoil 400 Race Predictions
Last year, Josh Berry scored a surprise win at Las Vegas thanks to a mix of a very quick Wood Brothers Ford and a solid strategy call by his team. The Wood Brothers do have an affiliation with Penske, and it feels like the Penske Cars will likely be in contention here once again. Joey Logano, in particular, has had a ton of success here at Vegas.
Speeding toward Sin City. pic.twitter.com/JWboGEM2a4
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 12, 2026
When NASCAR came to Vegas in the fall, it was Denny Hamlin who claimed the checkered flag. However, I think the fall runner-up, Kyle Larson, has to be my pick here this weekend. Larson may not have won at Vegas last season, but he’s always a threat when NASCAR comes here.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action for the remainder of the weekend.
Saturday 03/14
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 11:00 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 12:05 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 1:30 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 2:40 p.m. CT on Prime
The LiUNA! (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 4:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube (NASCAR Cup Series) – 3:00 p.m. CT on FS1 and HBO Max
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