2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Series Bristol Entry List: Kyle Larson, Connor Zilisch Highlight Loaded Field

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AVONDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 08: Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Monster Energy Toyota, Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fry's/Artesano/Kraft Ford, Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Wendy's Chevrolet, and AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 08, 2026 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The entry list is set for one of the most demanding short-track races on the calendar. NASCAR officials confirmed a 38-car field for the 40th Annual Suburban Propane 300, part of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The concrete half-mile is known for tight racing and heavy contact, and this year’s lineup brings a deep mix of experienced drivers and part-time entries. The list, first reported by Bob Pockrass, highlights strong team depth, especially from Chevrolet-backed organizations. With several high-profile names entered but ineligible for points, the race adds another layer to an already competitive 2026 season.


JR Motorsports Leads a Stacked Field

JR Motorsports brings one of the strongest groups to Bristol. Connor Zilisch takes the No. 1 Chevrolet with Rodney Childers as crew chief. Zilisch is listed as an ineligible driver for points, but he enters with solid early-season results.

Kyle Larson returns in the No. 88 Chevrolet for the same team. He teams up with crew chief Mardy Lindley. Larson has a strong record at Bristol, which puts him among the drivers to watch.

The team also fields Justin Allgaier in the No. 7, Sammy Smith in the No. 8, and Carson Kvapil in the No. 9. This lineup gives JR Motorsports both experience and young talent across its entries.


Chevrolet’s Dominance Stands Out

The manufacturer breakdown shows a clear trend. Chevrolet accounts for 32 of the 38 cars on the entry list. That leaves limited presence for other brands.

Only one Ford appears in the field. The No. 5 entry from Hettinger Racing is the lone non-Chevrolet car from that manufacturer group. Joe Williams Jr. is listed as the crew chief, with the driver still to be announced.

Joe Gibbs Racing provides the main competition to Chevrolet with four Toyota entries. William Sawalich drives the No. 18, Brent Crews the No. 19, Brandon Jones the No. 20, and Taylor Gray the No. 54. Richard Childress Racing also adds depth with Jesse Love and Austin Hill.

Other teams in the field include Young’s Motorsports with Ryan Ellis, Haas Factory Team with Sam Mayer, and Jordan Anderson Racing with Rajah Caruth. RSS Racing enters Ryan Sieg and Kyle Sieg, while Sam Hunt Racing fields Harrison Burton and Dean Thompson.


Bristol Motor Speedway Sets the Stage for Tight Racing

Bristol Motor Speedway remains one of the most demanding tracks on the schedule. Its half-mile layout and steep banking create constant traffic and close racing conditions.

The entry list also includes experienced independent drivers like Patrick Staropoli and Jeremy Clements. At the same time, several entries still list drivers or crew chiefs as to be announced, including cars from Joey Gase Motorsports and DGM Racing.

One notable absence is AM Racing, which does not appear on the list after recent missed events. Mike Harmon Racing is included with the No. 274 entry, reportedly through an owner points change.

With top equipment from JR Motorsports and multiple strong Toyota entries, the race is expected to be intense. Even with some drivers not earning points, the results could still impact the overall rhythm of the 2026 season as teams continue to build momentum.

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2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Series Bristol Entry List: Kyle Larson, Connor Zilisch Highlight Loaded Field

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