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The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season closer at Daytona International Speedway is set to feature a maximum capacity field of 40 entries. This crucial race will not only include all 36 regular full-time teams but also welcome four additional part-time contenders. For half of the competing drivers, this event is a do-or-die situation; a win is their only path to secure a spot in the 2025 playoffs.

This thrilling finale will see a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for victory. Beyond the guaranteed full-time competitors, several part-time entries are poised to make their mark. Richard Childress Racing has notably entered a third car, the No. 33 Chevrolet, for Austin Hill, a driver with an impressive track record at Daytona in lower-tier series. Another familiar name returning to the Cup Series is Casey Mears, who will pilot the Carl Long-owned No. 66 Ford for his 591st career start. Furthermore, Joey Gase, with 92 prior Cup Series appearances, will drive the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team, and B.J. McLeod, owner of Live Fast Motorsports, will make his fourth start of the year in the No. 78 Chevrolet, a car that has historically performed well at Daytona.

A Full Field of Contenders for the Daytona Finale

The highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale at Daytona is confirmed to host a robust lineup of 40 cars, a maximum field size that promises an action-packed conclusion to the season. This comprehensive entry list includes all 36 drivers and teams who have competed full-time throughout the season, alongside four strategic part-time additions. The stakes are exceptionally high for 20 of these drivers, as securing a victory at Daytona is their sole opportunity to advance into the intensely competitive 2025 playoffs. This creates an atmosphere of desperate ambition, where drivers will push their limits, leading to thrilling on-track battles and unpredictable outcomes. The presence of these must-win scenarios ensures that every lap will be charged with tension and drama, as competitors fight tooth and nail for their postseason dreams.

Adding to the excitement and competitive depth of the race are the four part-time entries, each bringing its own unique story and potential for disruption. Austin Hill, a standout from the Xfinity Series with a remarkable four victories at Daytona in NASCAR's lower divisions, will join the fray in the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. His previous success at the venue makes him a formidable contender despite his part-time status. Veteran driver Casey Mears will also make a notable return to the Cup Series, marking his 591st career start by driving the No. 66 Ford for Carl Long's team, adding a layer of experience to the field. Joey Gase, another driver with previous Cup Series experience, including a 37th-place finish at Iowa earlier this year, will be behind the wheel of the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team. Finally, B.J. McLeod, who is not only a team owner but also a driver, will compete in the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet, leveraging his past top finishes at Daytona to potentially spring a surprise. These additional entries ensure a diverse and exciting race, making the Daytona regular season finale a truly unmissable event for fans.

Strategic Part-Time Entries Bolster Competition

The inclusion of select part-time teams and drivers significantly enhances the competitive landscape of the Daytona season finale. These strategic additions are not merely fillers but represent skilled competitors with proven track records or specific expertise on superspeedways like Daytona. Their participation adds an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement to the race, as they can often upset the established hierarchy of full-time teams. This dynamic makes the finale even more thrilling, as it's not just about the championship contenders, but also about these wildcard entries who could emerge victorious and dramatically influence the playoff picture. The blending of full-time stalwarts with these specialized part-time talents elevates the overall quality of the event, providing fans with a compelling and diverse spectacle of high-speed racing.

Among the part-time entries, Austin Hill stands out due to his impressive history at Daytona. His four wins in the Xfinity Series at this track demonstrate a profound understanding of superspeedway racing, making his No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet a vehicle to watch closely. Hill's transition to the Cup Series for this race carries the potential for a major upset, given his past dominance. Additionally, the return of Casey Mears in the No. 66 Ford adds a veteran presence, whose vast experience across 590 previous Cup Series starts could prove invaluable in the draft-heavy environment of Daytona. Joey Gase, piloting the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team, and B.J. McLeod in the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet, also bring their unique skills and experience, particularly McLeod, who has secured both of his career top finishes at Daytona. The presence of these experienced part-time drivers, each with their own motivations and strengths, promises to inject an extra dose of excitement and fierce competition into the regular season finale, making it a must-watch event for all NASCAR enthusiasts.

A new era dawns for NASCAR's secondary division, as the Xfinity Series is set to transition its naming rights to O'Reilly Auto Parts beginning in 2026. This change signifies a pivotal moment for the 33-race series, which serves as a vital pathway for aspiring drivers to reach the elite Cup level. The current broadcast partner, The CW, has observed a substantial 17 percent surge in viewership for the series this year, underscoring its growing popularity.

NASCAR's Xfinity Series Undergoes Major Sponsorship Shift

In a significant development for American stock car racing, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will be officially rebranded as the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, effective from the 2026 season. This announcement, made on August 18, 2025, marks the fourth title sponsor in the series' rich history, which commenced in 1982. Previously, the division was known as the Budweiser Late Model Sportsman Series upon its inception, evolving into the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series from 1984 to 2002, and subsequently the NASCAR Busch Series. Nationwide held the entitlement rights from 2008 until the conclusion of the 2014 season, followed by Xfinity's nearly decade-long tenure.

NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell emphasized the alignment between the sport's values and those of the new sponsor. "Just like the dynamic world of NASCAR, O'Reilly Auto Parts originated in the United States and thrived on the unwavering dedication and diligence of passionate individuals," O'Donnell stated. He added that this partnership will "continue to ignite that enthusiasm for the next generation of NASCAR's brightest talents and their dedicated fanbase, while celebrating the enduring journey we've shared for many decades."

Brent Kirby, President of O'Reilly Auto Parts, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared principles. "Our organization is built upon the same core values that define NASCAR\u2014collaboration, enthusiasm, and commitment," Kirby remarked. He assured fans that these values are evident in their customer interactions, promising swift service and expert assistance. The previous sponsor, Xfinity, also extended their congratulations via social media, acknowledging their successful 11-year collaboration and expressing anticipation for the series' future under the new title.

This strategic multi-year agreement ensures O'Reilly Auto Parts a prominent position within the sport, while Xfinity will maintain its involvement as a premier partner, continuing its support for the NASCAR community. The transition underscores the evolving landscape of sports sponsorships and the continued appeal of NASCAR's intermediate series.

The transition of the NASCAR Xfinity Series sponsorship highlights the dynamic nature of commercial partnerships in professional sports. For a series that has consistently served as a proving ground for future Cup Series stars, a new title sponsor injects fresh energy and resources. This move not only promises continued growth for the series but also reflects the enduring appeal of NASCAR to major brands, driven by its passionate fanbase and growing viewership. It emphasizes the importance of aligning corporate values with sporting identity, fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits all stakeholders.