The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Las Vegas on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After four races in the 2026 season, the series arrives at the high‑speed tri‑oval in Vegas with the Pennzoil 400. Ryan Blaney enters the weekend fresh off a victory at Phoenix, snapping Tyler Reddick’s early streak of wins this season, while establishing himself as a clear threat on 1.5‑mile tracks. Here, I break down the upcoming race and make my prediction as to who I think will end up in Victory Lane.
Pennzoil 400 Preview
The Pennzoil 400 marks the fifth points race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Scheduled for 267 laps covering 400.5 miles on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 1.5‑mile intermediate oval, Las Vegas has historically rewarded drivers who combine patience with aggressive tire management, and recent winners include a mix of veterans and rising stars who have mastered the track’s demands.
Early season form has seen Tyler Reddick emerge as the series’ points leader, but he was finally beaten last week and it will be interesting to see how he performs this time around. Meanwhile, Blaney’s win last weekend at Phoenix gives him confidence and momentum as he aims to extend his success into Las Vegas. Other top contenders like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell have shown speed and consistency in 2026, and they will attempt to get their first wins of the season here.
Pennzoil 400 Track Info
Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1.5‑mile D‑shaped oval known for its high speeds and close‑quarters racing. With long straights and sweeping corners, the track places a premium on aerodynamic balance and tire conservation. Las Vegas often produces multi‑groove racing, and crew chiefs will be focused on strategy calls that can put drivers in position late in the race. The race distance of 400.5 miles has historically led to strategic pit stops and margin‑for‑error situations that reward smart calls and flawless execution late.
Betting Odds
- Kyle Larson +500
- Christopher Bell +600
- William Byron +750
- Denny Hamlin +850
- Tyler Reddick +850
- Ryan Blaney +850
- Joey Logano +1100
- Chase Briscoe +1200
- Ross Chastain +1300
- Chase Elliott +1800
- Bubba Wallace +1900
- Chris Buescher +2200
- Carson Hocevar +2500
- Brad Keselowski +2700
- Ty Gibbs +3000
- Kyle Busch +3000
- Alex Bowman +3300
- All Others +4000 or more
Pennzoil 400 Prediction
Pick: Kyle Larson to win at +500 ATS PRO
Confidence: 4 out of 5 ATS PRO
For bettors seeking value and performance consistency, this race aligns well with Larson’s strengths. Larson’s history at Las Vegas and his +500 odds make him my top pick, but don’t overlook Blaney in stage and top‑5 markets given his speed and confidence from Phoenix. Hamlin and Bell offer solid mid‑tier odds with upside in prop markets, especially if track position and strategy come into play late in the afternoon.
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