Las Vegas played host to all three of NASCAR’s top series last weekend, with the trucks returning to action after a short break. Each series’ respective races had their own unique drama that played out. From freak rain for the trucks, to a first time Cup Series winner, the underdogs put all their cards on the table with hopes of starting 2025 off strong.
Truck Series | ECOSAVE 200
Kaden Honeycutt (#45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet): Team owner Al Niece elevated Honeycutt to full-time status this season to pilot the team’s flagship #45 Silverado. The move paid dividends again in Las Vegas, as Honeycutt placed his Chevrolet in 12th after starting 22nd. This also comes on the heels of a 9th place finish a race prior.
With the talented Honeycutt running a full schedule for the first time, it will be interesting to see how the season progresses.
Matt Mills (#42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet): Following in the steps of teammate Honeycutt, Matt Mills also had a strong run in Vegas. Starting his Chevrolet in 24th, Mills methodically worked his way through the field to finish 16th. This was also Mills’ second straight top fifteen as well. The rebuilding of Niece’s team as a whole this season seems to be slowly taking effect after a struggle in 2024.
Justin Haley (#07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet): Cup Series driver Justin Haley made his first start in Spire’s #07 truck this season, having a strong run in the team’s all-star entry. While only leading one lap during the heavily rain delayed event, Haley wrapped up the race in 11th after starting 4th.
Xfinity Series | The LiUNA!
Harrison Burton (#25 AM Racing Ford): Burton and AM Racing had another strong showing in Vegas, proving the new duo has potential. Qualifying his #25 Mustang Dark Horse in 18th, Burton came home in 8th spot by races end. Currently sitting 13th in series standings, Burton and AM Racing has collected three top ten finishes in five starts thus far.
Kyle Sieg (#28 RSS Racing Ford): RSS Racing’s decision to trim down to a two-car operation in 2025 seems to be benefiting both cars on the family owned team. While brother Ryan collected another top 10 finish, Kyle Sieg was not far behind in his Ford, finishing 11th after starting 21st. This will also be Kyle Sieg’s second appearance in this article series already in 2025.
Dean Thompson (#26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota): Moving up from the trucks as a rookie contender this season, Thompson took over the seat of Sam Hunt’s #26 Toyota in hopes of capturing rookie honors. While the season has had a rough start, Vegas gave Thompson some redemption. Qualifying towards the bottom of the field, Thompson came home 15th. This was Thompson’s second top fifteen this season, following an 8th in the season opener.
Cup Series | Pennzoil 400
Josh Berry (#21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford): Already making his second appearance in this article series in 2025, Berry and the Wood Bros. proved why they could be a dark horse threat this season.
After starting a surprising 7th, Berry and his #21 entry would spend most of the race towards the front of the field. As the last stage began, Berry would go on to lead the final 18 laps before scoring his first career Cup Series win, and the Wood Brothers 101st series win.
Justin Haley (#7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet): Playing somewhat off the momentum of his truck series run, Haley made the most of his regular Cup Series ride as well. Starting 33rd, Haley drove his black and yellow Gainbridge entry to a 14th place finish. Having collected two top twenty runs already, this was Haley’s best result so far in 2025.
Riley Herbst (#35 23XI Racing Toyota): After a rather sudden move to the Cup Series for 2025, Herbst and his new #35 crew have put together a quietly consistent start to the season. Forced to start at the back of the field for unapproved adjustments, Herbst steadily clicked off positions throughout the race to bring his SunnyD Toyota home in 19th.
