Top NASCAR Nashville race storylines heading into Cracker Barrel 400

NASCAR is returning to Nashville Superspeedway for its annual NASCAR tripleheader weekend.

The culmination is the NASCAR Cup Series’ Cracker Barrel 400 set for 6 p.m. CT (Amazon Prime Video) on May 31.

Here are five storylines entering the NASCAR Cup Series race.

NASCAR world moving forward after Kyle Busch’s death

NASCAR returns to Nashville with a full week removed from Kyle Busch’s death on May 21. His memory will be a part of the sport going forward, and the tributes won’t stop this weekend as fans here will show their support for the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing.

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NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s family, wife Samantha, children Brexton, Lennix, brother Kurt

Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with daughter, Lennix Busch son, Brexton Busch and wife, Samantha Busch in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on February 21, 2026, in Hampton, Georgia.

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

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NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s family, wife Samantha, children Brexton, Lennix, brother Kurt

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

Team owner Joe Gibbs, Samantha Busch, her husband, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, and their son Brexton Busch are introduced at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards show at Wynn Las Vegas on December 4, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)

May 8, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and Kurt Busch (45) wave to the fans in attendance prior to the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-476763 ORIG FILE ID: 20220508_jfv_bv1_009.jpg

(For The Win)

Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 Realtree Chevrolet, celebrates with his wife, Samantha Busch, and daughter, Lennix Busch victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 12, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas.

(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane with his wife Samantha, and son, Brexton, after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC)

Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, eats a peach with son, Brexton Busch and wife, Samantha Busch in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on February 21, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia.

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Busch and wife, Samantha Busch pose for photos on the red carpet prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

Kyle Busch, driver of the #07 Gainbridge Chevrolet, his wife, Samantha Busch, daughter, Lennix Busch and son, Brexton Busch bow their heads during pre-race ceremonies.

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kyle Busch celebrates with girlfriend Samantha Sarcinella after victory in the Camping World 300.

(Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE)

DOVER, DE – MAY 16: Kyle Busch (R), driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, kisses his fiancee Samantha Sarcinella in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 16, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

(Jason Smith, Getty Images for NASCAR)

Toyota continues to dominate

The most surprising thing about Daniel Suarez’s Coca-Cola 600 win last weekend is that he drove a Chevrolet and not a Toyota. Three Toyotas followed Suarez in the running order. The manufacturer has won seven of 13 points-paying races this season, but Toyota has never won a Cup race at Nashville Superspeedway.

Kyle Larson’s winless streak surpasses 1 year

Kyle Larson finished fifth on May 24 at Charlotte and is sixth in points. However, his winless streak now dates back to last May at Kansas — 37 races in total. Hendrick Motorsports hasn’t been at its best in the first half of 2026 as it works with Chevrolet’s new body, but Larson is a former winner at Nashville.

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Kyle Larson, NASCAR championship winner in 2025 season for Hendrick Motorsports

AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with sons, Cooper Larson and Owen Larson and daughter Audrey Larson after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps presents the Bill France NASCAR Cup Series Championship trophy to Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, in victory lane after after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and wife, Katelyn Larson celebrate in victory lane after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 25: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet, greets fans as he walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 25: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet, spins into the infield with flames after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

(Logan Riely, Getty Images)

Arrow McLaren driver Kyle Larson (17) is helped out of his car after a crash Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(JEF I RICHARDS, Jef Richards/For IndyStar)

Arrow McLaren driver Kyle Larson (17) stands with his wife, Katelyn, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during qualifying for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Kristin Enzor, Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – MAY 11: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 11, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

(Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

Kyle Larson celebrates winning the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 13, 2025.

(Randy Sartin, Imagn Images)

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and son, Owen Larson celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

(James Gilbert, Getty Images)

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)

Feb 13, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during driver introductions for the Duels at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-Imagn Images)

Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and his wife Kelly during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)

Sep 21, 2024; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and his son Owen after winning the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates Sunday, July 21, 2024, after winning the 30th running of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his win by kissing the Yard of Bricks on Sunday, July 21, 2024, after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Brett Phelps/IndyStar)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) races during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.

(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)

Kyle Larson celebrates with a goblet of wine after winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350, Sunday at Sonoma Raceway.

(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)

Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (17) walks through pit lane with his family Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Bob Goshert/For IndyStar)

Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (17) makes a pit stop Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Gary Mook/For IndyStar)

May 24, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series driver Kyle Larson climbs into his car during Carb Day final practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

(USA TODAY)

May 5, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates after winning the Advent Health 400 at the Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

(Reese Strickland, Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports)

May 5, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) wins the Advent Health 400 at the Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

(Reese Strickland, Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports)

Rookie IndyCar driver Kyle Larson (17) gets prepared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, for open testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.

(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)

Kyle Larson (5) is wrecked by Bubba Wallace (23) during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.

(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) makes a pit stop during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his victory of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his victory of the Pennzoil 400 with son Owen at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Kyle Larson and his wife Katelyn Larson poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.

(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)

Driver for the Hendrick Motorsports Kyle Larson in the number 5 transporter before the start of the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.

(Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

Jeff Gordon, left, and Kyle Larson, right, sit in the Arrow McLaren pit box at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 2023 Indianapolis 500 Thursday.

(Kristin Enzor, USA TODAY Network)

Kyle Larson talks with Chip Ganassi in pit lane Thursday, May 18, 2023, during the third day of practice for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)

April 2: Kyle Larson celebrates after winning the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.

(John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)

Mar 12, 2023; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) holds his cap to his chest during the National Anthem ahead of the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on March 12, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gould/The Republic

(Alex Gould, Alex Gould/The Republic)

Kyle Larson celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 23, 2022.

(John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) makes a pit stop during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson speaks during the NASCAR Awards and Champion Celebration at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

Kyle Larson speaks after driving in the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

Kyle Larson, center, celebrates with No. 5 Hendirck Motorsports team in victory lane after winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway.

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Kyle Larson celebrates in victory lane after winning the Bank of America Roval 400 on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course.

(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson (5) and his wife Katelyn Sweet stand for the National Anthem Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, before the start of the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Sam Owens/IndyStar)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.

(Josie Norris / Tennessean.com)

Kyle Larson does a burnout during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.

(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

Kyle Larson with his wife Katelyn Larson walk the red carpet before the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.

(Larry McCormack / Tennessean.com)

Kyle Larson celebrates by drinking wine after winning the Toyota-Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.

(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)

May 30: Kyle Larson celebrates his win of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)

Kyle Larson (32) flies into the catchfence after a crash on the final lap of the 2013 Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

(Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports)

The rise of Carson Hocevar

‘Hurricane’ Hocevar has been dubbed NASCAR’s next young star, and he has been backing up his aggressive driving style this season. He earned his first career Cup victory at Talladega and is ninth in points. Hocevar finished second at Nashville last year, so he’ll be among the race favorites.

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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, speaks to the media during a press conference after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) celebrates winning the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

(Vasha Hunt, Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images)

Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) wears the ceremonial wreath presented by Miss Alabama Emma Terry after his victory at the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

(Vasha Hunt, Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, places the winner sticker on his car after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with fans after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with Miss Alabama Emma Terry in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

(David Jensen, Getty Images)

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

Will increased horsepower increase the quality of NASCAR racing?

NASCAR upped the maximum horsepower this season from 670 to 750 for tracks shorter than 1.5 miles. Nashville and Darlington are the biggest tracks that will see the increased horsepower, but Darlington is unique as a tire-dependent race track no matter the race car. How it impacts tire falloff and the overall racing remains to be seen.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Top NASCAR Nashville race storylines entering Cracker Barrel 400

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