By Judy Shields
Photos: THT Jesse Shields
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (The Hollywood Times) 03/14/2026
It truly was an beautiful day in north Las Vegas as the NASCAR fans found their seats in the stands for the beginning of the LiUNA race, which started at 2:35pm. That day stared around 9a for Practice, then 10a for Qualifying and most importantly the Autograph session at the Neon Garage area. The Grand Marshal was Jacob Lofland and driver introductions started at 1:55p. Presentation of Colors by Nellis Air Force Honor Guard, Invocation by Billy Mauldin, President & Senior Chaplain, Motor Racing Outreach and the National Anthem was beautifully performed by House of Blues Gospel Brunch Choir and finally “Drivers, Start Your Engines”. Green Flag – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series The LiUNA! (45/90/200 Laps, 300 Miles) at 2:35p.
Kyle Larson remained undefeated in his No. 88 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet after taking the checkered flag in The LiUNA NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion earned his 18th career NOAPS victory and gave JR Motorsports its fifth Las Vegas triumph. He took the lead on Lap 154 of 200 and pulled away to a 2.557-second margin of victory over fellow NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) driver Chase Briscoe.
- Kyle Larson won the LiUNA NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, maintaining his undefeated streak in the No. 88 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet.
- Larson secured his 18th career NOAPS victory and JR Motorsports’ fifth win at Las Vegas, leading from Lap 154 and finishing 2.557 seconds ahead of Chase Briscoe.
- Christopher Bell earned the pole for the upcoming Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas with a lap of 28.853 seconds, marking his fourth pole at LVMS and 15th in his Cup career.
Jesse Love was leading when a caution came out on Lap 119 and was sent to the rear of the field after a pit crew member fell over the wall into the pit box, penalizing his No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet team for having too many people over the wall. Love rebounded, but was unable to regain the lead and crossed the line in sixth place.
It was an exciting race with several caution lights, but thankful no real bag crashes. The Hollywood Times is lucky to have been part of the excitement of NASCAR as the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the UiNAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and look forward to next time in October.
Here is a collections of photos we took of the race today:
Here are some photos from the Fan Zone area:
Here is a short video of the beginning of the race and No. 5 Kyle Larson’s winning burnout.
Saturday is done and looking forward to tomorrow’s Pennzoil 400 Cup Series Race at 1:00 p.m.
