The South Point 400 taking place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a significant race for the championship contenders as it kicks off the penultimate round of the playoffs. From its inception to the drivers who have left their mark on the racetrack, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a thrilling event with a rich history.

As the top 8 drivers prepare themselves for the start of the Round of 8 showdown, lets take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the things that make the South Point 400 a treasured mile-and-a-half race for the stock car racing community.

What is South Point 400, and when did its inception take place?

Since its inception, the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has had a journey of name changes. It all started back in 1996 when the race was known as the "Las Vegas 400." In 2000, it got a name upgrade, "CarsDirect.com 400." The naming continued to evolve over the years, with monikers like "UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400" from 2001 to 2007 and "UAW-Dodge 400" in 2008. The year 2008 brought another change, with the race being called the "Shelby 427." In 2010, it became the "Shelby American."

The following years saw it as the "Kobalt Tools 400" from 2011 to 2014 and "Kobalt 400" from 2015 to 2017. From 2018 to 2021, it was named the "Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube" for the spring race and continues the name to date. Through all these name changes, the excitement of the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has remained a constant for NASCAR fans.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway has also undergone modifications throughout its history. One of the most significant changes was a reconfiguration of the track's banking. The track originally had a banking of 12 degrees through the corners. However, in a significant modification, the banking was increased to 20 degrees in the corners. This change created a more progressive and slanted banking formation and allowed for more side-by-side racing. These modifications aimed to enhance the racing experience for both drivers and fans, making the Las Vegas Motor Speedway even more exciting for NASCAR events.

Historically, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has hosted not only NASCAR events but also a variety of racing and entertainment activities. Making it a versatile and exciting destination for motorsport fans. Additionally, it's a venue for one of the country's largest EDM music festivals, drawing crowds of over 300,000.

Also, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway plays host to two NASCAR Cup Series races each year. The first race, Pennzoil 400, takes place in March and falls outside of the playoff schedule. However, it's the South Point 400 that sets the playoff stage on fire. Marking the kickoff of the Round of 8. This race holds a special place in the hearts of fans as it serves as a pivotal point in determining the top championship 4 contender.

Track configuration and the prize of the winner

The LVMS is a 1.5-mile intermediate tri-oval track with 20 degrees of banking in each turn and 9-12 degrees on the front and backstretch. The track's progressive banking and unique configuration make it a fan favorite. When the Next-Gen car was introduced in 2022, there was a lot of optimism for the car's performance at tracks like the LVMS. Drivers have praised the new car's design, including its larger wheels and aesthetics. Kyle Busch, for instance, said, "They hit a home run," and he rated it nine out of 10.

However, there is some anticipation mixed with optimism as drivers acknowledge that the Next Gen car presents significant changes. The profile of the car and the larger wheels contribute to these differences, and drivers have enjoyed the challenge of adapting to this completely new racecar.

Coming to the prize money, it is uncertain how much the winner of the race gets to take home. However, thanks to NASCAR's prominent journalist Bob Pockrass, we know the total purse that is distributed among drivers and teams.

https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1712178485131657549?s=20

Past winners of South Point 400

Last year's South Point 400 witnessed a captivating battle for victory. Team Penske's Joey Logano showcased his driving prowess, securing his place in the Championship 4. Logano's remarkable comeback in the final laps, fueled by a late-race pit stop for fresh Goodyear tires, allowed him to pass Ross Chastain for the lead with just three laps remaining.

This thrilling move earned Logano his third victory at LVMS, leaving him with a slim 0.817-second lead over Chastain. It was an exhilarating race with Logano's pit strategy and sheer determination, ultimately propelling him to victory.

Historically, Hendrick Motorsports has been the most successful team on this track, with eight victories to their name. The team's latest win came earlier this year when William Byron dominated the Pennzoil 400. With Jimmie Johnson leading the way with four victories, the Hendrick Motorsports lineup has consistently excelled at LVMS.

The infamous brawl between Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace

The South Point 400 has witnessed its fair share of drama. And one of the most notorious incidents in recent years involved Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace. In a high-stakes race, Larson attempted a daring three-wide pass that led to a dramatic altercation with Wallace. After a series of aggressive moves, Larson's actions culminated in him shoving Wallace into the wall, triggering a chain reaction of events.

Wallace, who had shown remarkable performance throughout the race, didn't take kindly to Larson's maneuvers. He retaliated by hooking Larson's car, sending him spinning into the path of other drivers, including Christopher Bell, who had recently secured his place in the Round of 8. The incident escalated quickly, with Wallace marching toward Larson and engaging in a physical altercation on the track.

This incident led to a series of reactions from both teams and NASCAR itself. Larson's crew chief, Cliff Daniels, labeled the move as retaliation, even though Larson later denied it. The 23XI Racing team, aligned with NASCAR's decision, approved of a one-race suspension for Wallace due to his dangerous actions. NASCAR deemed Wallace's retaliation a "dangerous act," putting fellow competitors at risk.

Wallace later issued an apology for his actions, expressing regret for letting his frustrations get the better of him. Larson, understanding the high-stress nature of racing, acknowledged Wallace's frustration but also emphasized the importance of driver safety.

https://twitter.com/BubbaWallace/status/1582152067895828480?s=20

Who has the best odds of winning the 2023 South Point 400?

As we gear up for the 2023 South Point 400, all eyes are on the drivers who are most likely to clinch victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kyle Larson leads the pack as the favorite to win this 400-mile showdown. The #5 Chevrolet driver boasts odds of +450 to secure the checkered flag, as per dknetwork.draftkings.com.

However, not very far behind are William Byron and Denny Hamlin, each with odds of +550, followed by Tyler Reddick and Martin Truex Jr, both at +750. Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch round out the top contenders with odds of +1000 and +1300.

Historically, some drivers have had remarkable success at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson, with four wins, stands out as the most successful driver on this track. He's closely followed by Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth, and Joey Logano, each with three victories. A group of drivers, including William Byron, Kyle Busch, and Kurt Busch, have also made their mark with a win at this iconic track.

As the South Point 400 unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling battle between these talented drivers, and the unpredictable nature of NASCAR will undoubtedly deliver an unforgettable race.

The South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is more than just a race. It's a pivotal moment in the NASCAR Cup Series, marked by its unique track, rich history, and unforgettable moments. As the engines roar to life and the green flag drops. The stage is set for a spectacular showdown that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.