The NASCAR Cup teams are heading to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first traditional race of the season, following the superspeedway events at Daytona and Atlanta. This race will serve as a benchmark for all teams in the garage as they look to showcase their performance.
Here are three key things to watch in today’s race:
1. The Dark Horse:
Ford Performance introduced its new Dark Horse Mustang this season to enhance consistency. The Mustang showed promising results in qualifying at Daytona and Atlanta, with Logano and McDowell securing front row spots in both races. However, Logano faced a setback in Atlanta due to a penalty. Other drivers like Haley, Keselowski, Gragson, Briscoe, and Cindric also displayed strong performances in the top 10 at Daytona and Atlanta.
Ford drivers continued to shine in Atlanta, with several leading laps and finishing in the top 10. The qualifying at Las Vegas also followed this trend, indicating promising early results for the Ford teams. However, they are cautious about declaring the Dark Horse a complete success yet.
2. Past Toyota Success:
Toyota Racing will also test its new body, the Toyota Camry XSE, at Las Vegas. The intermediate tracks have been a strength for Toyota drivers in the past, with notable wins at Kansas, Charlotte, Texas, and Homestead. How the new Toyota Camry XSE performs at Las Vegas will provide insights into the upcoming races.
3. Tying a Seven-Time Champion:
Las Vegas has a rich history in NASCAR Cup racing, with Jimmie Johnson leading the wins at the track with four victories. Logano and Keselowski, each with three wins, will have a chance to tie Johnson for the all-time wins lead in Sunday’s race. However, both drivers are facing winless streaks, adding a hurdle to their pursuit of victory.
With a mix of new developments, historical context, and competitive challenges, the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway promises to be an exciting and crucial event for the NASCAR Cup teams.
