NASCAR Lineup Changes Confirmed for Kansas — What’s Different From Bristol

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend with a field that looks familiar on paper — but isn’t identical to what fans saw at Bristol Motor Speedway.

There are once again 37 cars on the entry list for Sunday’s AdventHealth 400, matching the total from the Food City 500. However, a pair of notable changes — including a different open entry and a new driver behind the wheel — highlight what’s shifted heading into the Kansas race.


What Changed From Bristol to Kansas?

Chad Finchum walks during driver introductions at Nashville Superspeedway

GettyChad Finchum, driver of the No. 66 MBM Motorsports Ford, which is not entered for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

The most noticeable difference comes among the non-chartered entries.

During the Bristol race weekend, the lone open car was the No. 66 MBM Motorsports Ford, driven by Chad Finchum. That team made its third appearance of the season, but its weekend ended early after Finchum retired before the halfway mark with a steering issue, ultimately finishing 36th. A quick and disappointing Sunday for the team.

That car is not entered for Kansas.

Instead, this weekend’s field features the No. 67 Toyota from 23XI Racing — the only open entry for the AdventHealth 400.


Corey Heim Returns in 23XI Racing Entry

Corey Heim stands during qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway

GettyCorey Heim will drive the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota at Kansas Speedway, replacing the open entry from Bristol.

The No. 67 will be driven by Corey Heim, marking his return to Cup Series competition.

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Heim, a development driver for 23XI Racing and Toyota, has run a limited Cup schedule over the past year. He made two Cup starts for the team in 2025 and is slated for a part-time role again for the 2026 season.

Heim has been one of the most consistent performers in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, winning multiple races in recent seasons and emerging as a key development driver within Toyota’s pipeline.

His prior Cup experience with 23XI includes a start at Kansas last spring, where he finished 13th after running competitively throughout the race. He also turned in a career-best sixth-place finish in the Bristol playoff race, showing continued growth at the Cup level.

Heim’s return gives 23XI Racing additional data and track time with one of its top young prospects — and adds another variable to Sunday’s field.


Why the Open Entry Matters

While the Cup Series remains capped at 40 cars, recent weeks have featured smaller entry lists — making each open car more noticeable.

With just one non-chartered entry again this weekend, the field remains streamlined, but the switch from MBM Motorsports to a 23XI-backed effort represents a clear step up in equipment and potential competitiveness.

That shift could have an impact beyond just numbers, particularly on a track like Kansas, where track position and long-run speed tend to define the race.

Heim’s return headlines what is otherwise a steady lineup — but Kansas has a history of producing unpredictable results, even with minimal changes on the entry list.

The AdventHealth 400 is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on Fox, as the NASCAR Cup Series continues its spring stretch.

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