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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 08: Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Monster Energy Toyota, Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fry’s/Artesano/Kraft Ford, Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Wendy’s Chevrolet, and AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 08, 2026 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NASCAR has announced a full 36-car field for the 29th annual Pennzoil 400, which is set for March 15, 2026, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The official entry list, released on February 20, features many of the sport’s top drivers and teams from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. If all teams qualify, the race will reach the standard field size. Notably, the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet lists Alex Bowman as its driver, though he is still recovering from vertigo.
Full 36-Car Field Entered for Las Vegas Motor Speedway Race
36 Cup entries for Vegas. Bowman is listed in the 48 but Hendrick has not announced his status. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/l1eao8ZbRi
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 9, 2026
The 36-car NASCAR Cup Series entry features top organizations. Trackhouse Racing brings Ross Chastain (No. 1), Connor Zilisch (No. 88), and Shane van Gisbergen (No. 97), all in Chevrolets.
Team Penske fields Austin Cindric (No. 2), Ryan Blaney (No. 12), and Joey Logano (No. 22) in Fords. Hendrick Motorsports enters Kyle Larson (No. 5), Chase Elliott (No. 9), William Byron (No. 24), and Alex Bowman (No. 48).
Joe Gibbs Racing brings Denny Hamlin (No. 11), Chase Briscoe (No. 19), Christopher Bell (No. 20), and Ty Gibbs (No. 54) in Toyotas.
RFK Racing lists Brad Keselowski (No. 6), Chris Buescher (No. 17), and Ryan Preece (No. 60). Richard Childress Racing enters Austin Dillon (No. 3) and Kyle Busch (No. 8).
23XI Racing features Bubba Wallace (No. 23), Riley Herbst (No. 35), and Tyler Reddick (No. 45). Other teams listed are Front Row Motorsports, Kaulig Racing, Spire Motorsports, Wood Brothers Racing, Legacy Motor Club, Haas Factory Team, Hyak Motorsports, and Rick Ware Racing.
Alex Bowman Remains Listed While Recovering From Vertigo
The No. 48 entry draws attention as Bowman continues to recover. Hendrick Motorsports still lists him as the driver for Las Vegas, but his status is uncertain.
Bowman’s symptoms began during the March 1 race at Circuit of the Americas, where he exited on lap 71 due to illness. Doctors later diagnosed him with vertigo.
Anthony Alfredo drove the No. 48 at Phoenix, earning owner points while Bowman did not receive driver points. Hendrick Motorsports has requested a medical waiver from NASCAR to protect Bowman’s 2026 championship eligibility if he misses more races.
Several Notable Drivers and Sponsors Appear on the NASCAR Cup Series Entry List
The Las Vegas entry also highlights returning drivers and sponsors. Shane van Gisbergen (No. 97 Trackhouse Chevrolet) is sponsored by SuperFile.
Chris Buescher (No. 17 RFK Ford) is backed by Smith’s and Farm Rich. Sponsor support is strong across the field.
Kyle Larson (No. 5) carries HendrickCars.com; Chase Elliott (No. 9) is backed by NAPA Auto Parts; Denny Hamlin (No. 11) is sponsored by Yahoo.
The entry list also shows Menards and Pennzoil supporting Ryan Blaney, Jordan Brand backing Tyler Reddick, and NOS Energy sponsoring Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
With 36 cars and the top teams set, the Pennzoil 400 entry list shapes up for an exciting weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as teams finalize preparations.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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