36 Cars Enter 2025 NASCAR Playoffs Gateway Race

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series continues the Round of 16 with the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, marking the 28th race of the 36-race season. The event features 36 cars, including 30 chartered entries and six open entries, with Chase Briscoe returning in the No. 19 Toyota Camry, aiming for his third win this season after securing his spot in the Round of 12. Key drivers like Austin Dillon, Joey Logano, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and Ty Gibbs are among the field, with Dillon and Logano currently below the playoff cutline. The race will air on USA Network, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series running the Nu Way 200 at the same track the day before. Fantasy outlooks highlight drivers such as Carson Hocevar and Chris Buescher as potential solid performers at Gateway, based on their past performances and recent track-specific stats. This race is critical as four drivers will be eliminated following the three-race Round of 16, tightening the competition for the playoffs.