Las Vegas III

The Las Vegas III NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway represents another opportunity for drivers and teams to compete on one of the premier intermediate tracks in the sport. This 2026 edition brings the nascar-xs series back to Nevada for competitive racing on the 1.5-mile tri-oval circuit that has hosted NASCAR competition since 1997.

Circuit Information

Las Vegas Motor Speedway features a 1.5-mile tri-oval configuration with 20-degree banking in the turns and 9- to 12-degree banking on the straightaways. The asphalt surface provides multiple racing lines and opportunities for passing. The facility sits on over 1,200 acres and includes various racing configurations, though the NASCAR Xfinity Series competes exclusively on the main tri-oval. Speedway Motorsports, LLC owns and operates the complex, which accommodates 80,000 spectators.

Permanent lighting installed at the track allows for night racing, adding a different dimension to competition at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The desert climate and unique track characteristics create specific challenges for teams setting up their cars for optimal performance.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Competitors

The Las Vegas III race will feature a full field of NASCAR Xfinity Series competitors representing Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota manufacturers. The series attracts rising stars working to advance their careers, veteran drivers with extensive experience, and occasional Cup Series competitors seeking additional track time. Each team brings different strategies and approaches to the 1.5-mile speedway.

Technical Specifications

NASCAR Xfinity Series cars use 358 cubic inch V8 engines that produce approximately 550 horsepower. The cars weigh 3,400 pounds with the driver and feature a solid rear axle suspension system. Teams use four-speed manual transmissions to manage power delivery around the track.

The cars run on 15-inch steel wheels with five lug nuts, distinguishing them from their Cup Series counterparts. Xfinity Series vehicles measure 11 inches longer, one inch taller, and four inches narrower than NASCAR Cup Series cars. These dimensional differences affect handling and aerodynamic performance on intermediate tracks like Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Aerodynamic Considerations

The aerodynamic package for nascar-xs competition creates specific downforce and drag characteristics. Teams adjust spoilers, splitters, and other aerodynamic elements to find the best balance between straight-line speed and cornering ability. The 1.5-mile configuration at Las Vegas Motor Speedway demands careful attention to aerodynamic setup.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway Racing History

The NASCAR Xfinity Series has competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway since 1997, with Jeff Green winning the inaugural event. The track has produced competitive racing with close finishes and position battles throughout the field. Multiple drivers have earned victories at the speedway across different NASCAR series.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway added a second Xfinity Series date to its annual schedule in 2018, doubling the opportunities for teams to compete at the Nevada facility. The track record for speed in the Xfinity Series stands at 185.58 mph, set in 2017.

What Defines This Event

The Las Vegas III nascar-xs race offers teams and drivers another chance to score points and demonstrate their capabilities on an intermediate speedway. The track's multiple grooves allow for various racing strategies, and different lines can work depending on car setup and tire wear patterns.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts diverse motorsports events beyond NASCAR, including drag racing and road course competition on adjacent tracks within the complex. The facility's location in Nevada makes it a destination venue for racing fans and participants. The combination of competitive racing, facility amenities, and the Las Vegas setting creates a distinct atmosphere for this 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series event.

Teams arrive at Las Vegas III with data from previous races at the speedway and knowledge of how their cars perform on 1.5-mile tracks. The race provides valuable championship points and serves as an important contest in the season-long battle for the Xfinity Series title.