Why Larson will Win the 2024 NASCAR Cup Title

 

Considering Kyle Larson’s stature among racing’s elite, maybe the premise here is inaccurate.

 

After all, there may be a more concise list of reasons Larson won’t win a second NASCAR Cup Series championship than the litany of data in support of his chances over the next 10 races.

 

It’s an index of enough bullet points to make Hammurabi blush.

 

But that’s not the name of this game. We’re here to identify the factor likely to weigh heaviest in a potential run to the big trophy waiting at the end of the race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… #NASCARPlayoffs season!! pic.twitter.com/Gm22M4FcuR

— Phoenix Raceway (@phoenixraceway) September 5, 2024

So, why will Larson hoist the Bill France Cup?

 

Well, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup champion himself, knows a thing or two about winning titles. So, what does he think?

 

Kyle Larson will seek his second NASCAR Cup Series
Championship with Hendrick Motorsports with his first coming in 2021.

 

“When they’ve had great speed and execute, I don’t think there’s a better team bringing a bigger threat than they are,” Gordon said.

 

And certainly, the numbers back that up.

 

Yeah, we get it. Larson’s got great stats. That’s what you’re telling us?

 

Well, in fairness, it’s a little more in-depth than that. We do our research ‘round these parts, after all!

 

Look, we understand that if you’ve paid any attention to any form of American auto sports over the last handful of years, you likely already assume that Larson’s career numbers look pretty good.

 

And that would be correct. To a point, anyway.

 

But a quick glance at the track-by-track data may not be as overwhelming as one would think. After all, among Larson’s average finish rankings by venue, four playoff tracks remaining rank 22nd or worse and only two – Las Vegas Motor Speedway (fifth) and Phoenix (10th) are among his top 10.

 

And one-fifth of the postseason will be held at drafting tracks with Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway on the slate. Larson hasn’t always exactly come out of the chaos cleanly.

 

But the playoffs are about survival. And as Gordon points out, if Larson can just maintain through the opening two rounds, the final four venues may fall into his wheelhouse better than anyone’s.

 

“The most important thing that pops into my mind, especially when I look at that schedule, is he’s got to get to round three,” Gordon said. “That round is so strong for him. You’ve got Homestead(-Miami Speedway), Martinsville (Speedway) and (Las) Vegas (Motor Speedway).

 

“Homestead and Vegas, I think, are two of his best tracks. If he gets to that round, I feel like it’s a near lock - especially with the bonus points he brings to the rounds - to get to Phoenix.”

 

Kyle Larson does a burnout after winning the 2024
Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

That journey will certainly include its hurdles.

 

For instance, since 2021, including two-plus seasons of the Next-Gen era, among all drivers that have made a Cup start at Atlanta, Larson is 41st in average finish with a mark of 23.1.

 

But guess who’s led the most laps at Atlanta in that same time frame? It’s Larson and it’s not close. His 291 are a full 101 more than Joey Logano in second.

 

Yes, things get crazy at Atlanta and Talladega. But Larson has at least one win at all the other eight tracks on the docket in just the last three-plus seasons with 12 of his 27 career victories coming at those venues.

 

And remember, this is a win-and-advance format, not to mention the regular season equity Larson built with 35-point cushion between himself and the playoff cutline.

 

So, sure, a Round of 12 that includes Talladega and the Charlotte Roval could be scary. But consider, it starts with a trip to Kansas Speedway, where Larson has won twice and led a whopping 538 laps since 2021, a figure that towers over the rest of the field with Denny Hamlin second at 175.

 

And on it goes. Since the start of 2021, Larson has the most or is tied for the most victories at Watkins Glen International (two), the Roval (one), Las Vegas Motor Speedway (three, nobody else with more than one) and Homestead-Miami (one). He’s led the most laps at Atlanta, Kansas, Las Vegas (602, Hamlin in second at 269) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (300, William Byron second at 159).

 

With the speed the No. 5 carries each week, no matter the track, it seems as if Larson, crew chief Cliff Daniels and the team have the hardest part figured out. Now, it’s just about minimizing mistakes.

 

“I can promise you (execution is) top of mind for Cliff Daniels and maybe also, Kyle Larson,” Gordon said. “This car, the series right now with the level of competition, there’s just no gimmes, no guarantees. You’ve got to be mistake free through as many of these races and rounds as possible if you’re going to win a championship.”

The #NASCARPlayoffs are ready to roar into @ATLMotorSpdwy. 🔊 pic.twitter.com/4AI2TwIJCX

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 6, 2024

 

source: Hendrick Motorsports Media By Ryan Pritt

Jeff Gordon’s Corvette For A Cure

You Could Win Jeff Gordon’s Personal Corvette And Up To $15,000

 

Enter Here

 

Each year Jeff donates his personal Corvette to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. The Corvette program has raised nearly $7 million for pediatric cancer research, and helped open the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence.

 

 

Worldwide, 300,000 families each year hear the words: Your child has cancer. Every day in the United States more than 40 kids are diagnosed with cancer, and it remains the number one cause of death by disease. For those who survive their diagnosis, two-thirds will suffer long-term effects from their treatment including loss of hearing and sight, heart disease, secondary cancers, cognitive disabilities, infertility and more. But you can offer these families hope by investing in childhood cancer research with Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.

 

In 17 years, more than 70,000 people have done just that, raising more than $15 million through the Corvette For A Cure program alone.

 

Last year, 92 percent of you who made contributions covered your transaction costs — sending more of your donations directly to the mission — and nearly 2,000 especially generous people even made an additional donation. Nearly 100 folks went the extra mile and chose to have their additional contributions recur monthly. THIS is how we beat childhood cancer together.

 

Enter Here

 

 

Your donations fund innovations that improve quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship, and medical research dedicated to finding a cure for kids fighting cancer in your community and communities all over the world. They can’t do it without you.

 

 

Stronger, faster, smarter: Technology and engineering have evolved the Corvette into a modern marvel. Each time it seems the Corvette can’t get any better, it does. A lot has changed about the Corvette in 70 years, and a lot has changed about the fight against childhood cancer, too. Therapeutic discoveries and treatment advancements that make the fight stronger, faster, and smarter have been made possible by individuals dedicated to helping kids fight cancer. Imagine what your help could make happen over the next 70 years.

 

Help kids fighting cancer AND win ⁦@JeffGordonWeb⁩’s 70th Anniversary Edition #Corvette when you participate in #CorvetteForACure! Enter here: https://t.co/KvNZZ0vm7P pic.twitter.com/PqtpnfY1TP

— Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation (@JeffGordon4Cure) October 5, 2023

 

source: Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation Media

Jeff Gordon’s Camaro for a Cure

I Entered – Fingers Crossed

 

Worldwide, 300,000 families each year hear the words: Your child has cancer. Every day in the United States more than 40 kids are diagnosed with cancer. Two-thirds of children who are treated for cancer will suffer long-term effects from their treatment, including loss of hearing and sight, heart disease, secondary cancers, cognitive disabilities, infertility and more. But you can offer these families hope by investing in childhood cancer research with Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.

 

Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation has granted more than $25 million to fund innovations that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship, and medical research dedicated to finding a cure for the No. 1 cause of death by disease for kids. The funds granted by JGCF are made possible by the generosity of donors who support fundraisers such as Camaro For A Cure.

 

You can help this worthy cause by purchasing a ticket to win Jeff Gordon’s Personal Corvette!

 

#CamaroForACure pic.twitter.com/Q1buCpJdLl

— JGordonChildrensFdtn (@JeffGordon4Cure) May 2, 2023

The Car

2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

 

Supercharged, stunning, one-of-a-kind.

 

Sticker Price: $72,240

• 6.2L supercharged V8 engine
• 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match
• Black Exterior with customized Carbon Fiber Accents – Gold is the official color for childhood cancer awareness.
• Jet Black Interior with Red and Carbon Fiber Accents
• 20″ Dark Graphite Forged Aluminum Wheels with Goodyear Supercar tires
• Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with Premium Bose Audio

*Jeff Gordon personally donated his Camaro for this program. All federal taxes paid for the winner

 

Click Here to Purchase

 

Your participation in Jeff’s ‘Camaro For A Cure’
fundraiser directly impacts treatment funding for kids
like David, who deserve to survive and thrive
amid a cancer diagnosis.

 

source: Jeff Gordon Foundation

Opportunity to Have Lunch with Jeff Gordon

Ignition Luncheon |Tuesday, August 30 | 11:30AM

 

The countdown to NASCAR Championship Weekend is on! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to ignite the NASCAR Playoffs, featuring 4x NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. 

 

All proceeds from the event will fund the Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, where children battling cancer receive cutting edge care with a compassionate touch. 

---

NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP IGNITION LUNCHEON 

• DATE // Tuesday, August 30, 2022 
• TIME // 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
• LOCATION // Arizona Biltmore

 

CHECKERED FLAG TABLE // $5000
INCLUDES: 

• Table for 10, premium location 
• Signed gift for each attendee 
• VIP Meet & Greet for 4, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon 
• Brand recognition on materials 

 

GREEN FLAG TABLE // $2500
INCLUDES: 

• Table for 10 
• Commemorative gift 

 

GREEN FLAG TABLE // $2500
INCLUDES: 

• Table for 10 
• Commemorative gift

---

SECURE YOUR SPOT! 

To secure your spot, email rsvp@phoenixraceway.com or call us at 623.463.5674. 

 

Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy lunch with @JeffGordonWeb, and more importantly, raise money for a great cause.

All proceeds from the event will fund the @phxchildrens and @friendsofpch Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

— Phoenix Raceway (@phoenixraceway) July 6, 2022

 

source: Phoenix Raceway

Circle Network Is Bringing “Dinner Drive With Kyle Petty” Back For Season Two

Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty” to Include Special Guests John Oates, Jeff Gordon, Shawn Johnson East, Chipper Jones, and More

 

Award-winning Circle Network announced today that it is airing a sophomore season of hit summer programs, “Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty,” set to premiere on Thursday, June 16 at 9pm/8pm CT. NASCAR legend Kyle Petty will bring his viewers one-on-one conversations with some of his favorite athletes and musicians from around the nation as they take a drive and share stories over dinner.

 

“Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty” will feature 12 30-minute episodes with guests from sports and entertainment hand-selected by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty himself. Each guest takes Kyle for a spin in a special car to one of their favorite local restaurants. This year, Petty will visit Olympian Shawn Johnson and her husband Andrew East, World Series baseball champion Chipper Jones, musicians John Oates and Lyle Lovett, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, and more. The premiere episode will air on Thursday, June 16 at 9/8c pm.

 

“After a successful premiere season of ‘Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty,’ we’re really excited to bring our viewers a fresh season of the show,” said Evan Haiman, SVP of Content at Circle Network. “Circle viewers that are fans of everything from NASCAR to country music will find an episode that’s right up their alley.”

 

Season two programming* of “Dinner Drive With Kyle Petty” includes:

 

Thursday, June 16, 2022 9/8c pm - John Oates

Kyle travels to Nashville, TN. nicknamed “Music City” to meet with half of the pop rock duo Hall & Oates. After meeting John Oates in a Nashville recording studio where he can still be found singing, songwriting, and producing music, the two take a cruise in a sporty 1960 Porsche 356. But the trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping by a Nashville landmark for over 70 years. With its quaint country charm and down-home dishes, breakfast for dinner at The Loveless Cafe provides the perfect setting for a trip down memory lane with this musical icon.

 

Thursday, June 23, 2022 9/8c pm - Darrell Waltrip

Kyle stops by Franklin, TN. to visit with 3-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Darrell Waltrip. With his illustrious on track career and his almost 20 year run in the broadcast booth now in the rear view, these days you can find Darrell at the local Honda dealership that bears his name. It is here that he offers Kyle a tour, including a stop at one special car that won’t be for sale, the Pennzoil Chevrolet he drove for none other than Dale Earnhardt. Since you can’t take a stock car to dinner, Darrell hops in with Kyle for the quick trip over to J. Alexander’s Restaurant where the two dive deeper into Darrell’s racing career and impacts on the sport.

 

Thursday, June 30, 2022 9/8c pm - Chipper Jones

Kyle heads to Milton, GA. to visit with a local legend who spent his 19-year Hall of Fame career playing for one team, the Atlanta Braves. Now residing just a short commute from the city where he became an 8-time All-Star and World Series Champion, Kyle pays a visit to the home of the one known simply as “Chipper.” The two walk through Chipper’s personal collection of hunting trophies and baseball artifacts, before reminiscing on the beginnings of his baseball career after Kyle surprises him with a 1990 Corvette ZR-1, which Chipper once owned. Before leaving town, the two stop by Chipper’s neighborhood favorite, 7 Acre BarNGrill, where they chat about life on and off the field.

 

Thursday, July 7, 2022 9/8c pm - John Rich

Kyle drops in on country music singer-songwriter John Rich who makes his home right in the heart of Music City. The two tour Mt. Richmore, which is the name given to John’s extravagant Nashville mansion overlooking the skyline of downtown Nashville. With a fully loaded stage for musical performances and his own private bar, who needs to go out for dinner? So John and Kyle pile into his old 1964 Ford pickup to grab some takeout from the best BBQ joint in town, Martin’s Bar-B-Que. With a strong belief that music has no boundaries, John lets Kyle in on the keys to his success in moving the needle of country music, all while digging into some ribs, brisket, and more.

 

Thursday, July 14, 2022 9/8c pm - Joe Gibbs

As a three-time Super Bowl winning head coach with the Washington Redskins and a five-time NASCAR Cup Series title-holding owner with the company that bears his name, Joe Gibbs is in elite company as a Hall of Famer in two sports. For this episode, Kyle stops by his race shop in Huntersville, NC to pay a visit to the man most know as “Coach.” The two tour the facility together and talk in length about the #11 Car, driven to victory by Denny Hamlin in the 2019 Daytona 500, just a month after Joe Gibbs son J.D. 's passing – a race that he calls the greatest moment of his sports career. Afterwards, Joe gets candid about the highs and lows of his career in football and racing as the two sit down to a meal from nearby 131 MAIN Restaurant.

 

Thursday, July 21, 2022 9/8c pm - Lyle Lovett

Kyle travels deep in the heart of Texas to visit American singer-songwriter and actor Lyle Lovett. While performing all over the world, Lyle has remained anchored in his roots in the Lonestar state. The two spend the day in Old Town Spring by touring the historic, and allegedly haunted, Wunsche Brothers Cafe, constructed in 1902, which served as a stepping stone in Lyle’s music career. Then after a ride down Main Street in Lyle’s Ford pickup truck, Kyle dives deeper into Lyle’s heritage and career over some mouth-watering Texas-style BBQ and fixin’s from CorkScrew BBQ.

 

Thursday, July 28, 2022 9/8c pm - Jeff Gordon

Kyle makes the quick trip to a location he is all too familiar with from his days in NASCAR. But before dinner at The Speedway Club overlooking Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle meets up at Hendrick Motorsports with this 4-time Cup Series Champion who transcended the sport. That NASCAR legend is Jeff Gordon, who spent his entire career driving for the race team he now serves as Vice Chairman for. After a quick tour of the Hendrick Museum, Jeff takes Kyle for a spin in a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette just down the road to a place where they once battled on the track. The two slow down enough to catch up over a nice dinner, but with an intense need for speed, this day wouldn’t be complete without a little thrill ride down the zMAX Dragway.

 

Thursday, August 4, 2022 9/8c pm - Shawn Johnson + Andrew East

For the first time on his show, Kyle pays a visit to not one, but two guest stars in The Volunteer State. An Olympic Gold medal gymnast who stole the hearts of millions with her golden smile and the golden boy from Indianapolis who carved a path for himself to the NFL. Ultimately, after closing out chapters of their respective athletic careers, Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East have become one of the internet’s favorite couples. So today Kyle meets with them at their home and sets up one special surprise for Andrew in the form of a vintage 66’ Ford Bronco. The three of them hop in and take a drive to the Greenhouse Bar where they sit down and chat about their new ventures and the raw moments they have experienced as a couple and parents.

 

Thursday, August 11, 2022 9/8c pm - Avett Brothers

Growing up on 60-plus acres of land out where the asphalt ends in Concord, NC., Scott and Seth Avett of the Avett Brothers make Kyle feel right at home when he stops by for a visit. The Avett family’s passion for music has been passed down for generations just like the land they still call home. So today Kyle tours the family land in unique fashion riding on a true “offroad” Dinner Drive ride, before stopping for coffee and a meal to discuss the brothers’ path through the arts and ultimately coming together to become internationally recognized artists with a following of millions. Before leaving, Kyle makes one last stop to check out brother Scott’s passion for a different kind of art.

 

*The final three episode descriptions will be available at a later date

 

Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray Television. For more schedule and program details, visit https://www.circleallaccess.com.

 

Get ready for some fun on Season 2 of Dinner Drive with @kylepetty! So many great episodes in store for you to enjoy! 👍 Thanks for the feature, @HeavySan!

Check it out: https://t.co/FP6m1bRRhC

— dinnerdrivekp (@dinnerdrivekp) June 8, 2022

 

ABOUT CIRCLE NETWORK:

Circle is a media network dedicated to celebrating the country lifestyle and putting fans inside the circle of everything country. Circle offers entertainment news, documentaries, movies, archival, new and licensed programming, Grand Ole Opry performances, and more. Besides a linear feed, the network offers ad-supported streaming distribution with Tubi, NCTC, DISH, Peacock, Roku, Inc., Samsung TV Plus, Redbox, VIZIO SmartCast®, XUMO and Frndly TV, bringing its country lifestyle programming to millions more through TVs, smartphones and tablets. Named Digiday’s 2021 Best Streaming TV Platform and Pollstar’s #1 Livestreamer across all genres for 2020, Circle is a joint venture between Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Gray Television.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Martinsville Speedway #NASCAR Masters

The Best at ‘the Paperclip

 Richard Petty: 15 Wins

'The King' certainly is the king of the 'Paperclip' with an astonishing 15 victories -- tied with North Wilkesboro as his winningest track. He also holds 30 top fives, 37 top 10s and 2,823 laps led at the Virginia track. 

 

 

*****

 

 

Darrell Waltrip: 11 Wins

The three-time series champion not only finished first many times at Martinsville, but also started in the No. 1 spot a lot with eight Busch Pole Awards. The NASCAR Hall of Famer had an average finish of 10.8, thanks to his 31 top-10 results. 

 

 

*****

 

 

Jeff Gordon: 9 Wins

Gordon's final NASCAR Cup Series win came at the .526-mile track, a win that earned him a spot in the 2015 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The iconic victory served as the perfect bookend to the four-time champ's career.

 

 

 

*****

Jimmie Johnson: 9 Wins

He may be known as 'Seven-Time,'  but he's 'Nine-Time' here. Five of Johnson's nine wins fall in a six-race stretch from 2006-09. The Hendrick Motorsports veteran holds a 9.9 average finish and has just two DNFs in 38 starts. 

 

 

*****

 

Rusty Wallace: 7 Wins

Five of Wallace's seven wins here came in just a seven-race span from 1993 to 1996, in which he finished second and third in the two races he did not win. The other two victories came in 1986 and 2004.

 

 

*****

Cale Yarborough: 6 Wins

Yarborough's final win here (1978) also marked the year of his third consecutive premier series title. He was unstoppable in all of '78 with 10 wins, 23 top fives, 24 top 10s and eight pole awards. 

 

 

*****

 

Dale Earnhardt: 6 Wins

Any all-time best list in NASCAR, and of course the 'Intimidator' will be on it. Martinsville was his fifth-strongest track in terms of wins, yet he only started first once (1989).

 

 

*****

Fred Lorenzen: 6 Wins

The 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee was dominant here in the 1960s with five wins over a span of six races. 

 

 

*****

 

Denny Hamlin: 5 Wins

The Virginia native is the winningest active driver at Martinsville. It is one of Hamlin's best tracks, with his average start (8.5) and average finish (9.7) in close proximity, not to mention 22 top-10 results in 31 showings.

 

A sp👀ktacular day for an elimination race.

Who will join @KyleLarsonRacin in the #Championship4? @Xfinity | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/OkQ9U3e97M

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 31, 2021

 

 

source: Martinsville Speedway
Photo Credit: Getty Images

#NASCAR Cup Series - Kansas Pre Race Facts

• Next Race: Buschy McBusch Race 400
• The Place: Kansas Speedway
• The Date: Sunday, May 2
• The Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, 1:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 400.5 miles (267 laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 80)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 160)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 267)

 

By The Numbers
Ground Break:	May 25, 1999
Inaugural Race:	ARCA RE/MAX
Tri-Oval:	1.5 mile
Road Course:	2.37 mile
Property Size:	1,200+ acres
Banking in turns:	17-20 degrees variable banking
Banking on frontstretch:	9-11 degrees variable banking
Banking on backstretch:	5 degrees
Parking:	Space for over 35,000 vehicles

 

 

After a wild race at the behemoth that is Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for this Sunday’s Buschy McBusch Race 400 (3 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Kansas Speedway, its fourth event of the 2021 season on a 1.5-mile track.

 

Groundbreaking for Kansas Speedway was held on May 25, 1999. The official opening of Kansas Speedway was in 2001, with the first NASCAR Cup Series race being held on Sept. 30, 2001. The event was won by Hendrick Motorsport’s driver and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet). Gordon would actually win the first two NASCAR Cup Series races held at Kansas (2001, 2002).

Set up team office for today @kansasspeedway: ✔️https://t.co/c8UD8QZ9FE | @HendrickAuto pic.twitter.com/WMD678ESpq

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) May 2, 2021

 

During the 2012 season, between the April and October events, the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway track underwent a repave, adding variable banking in the corners bringing them to 17-20 degrees.

 

In total, there have been 30 NASCAR Cup Series races at Kansas Speedway, one event from 2001 – 2010 and two races per year since 2011. The 30 Cup events have produced 16 different pole winners and 15 different race winners.

 

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick leads the series in poles at Kansas Speedway with five (fall 2013, 2014 sweep, spring 2018, spring 2019).

 

Jeff Gordon (2001, 2002, 2014), Jimmie Johnson (2008, 2011, 2015), Kevin Harvick (2013, 2016, 2018), Joey Logano (2014, 2015, 2020) and Denny Hamlin (2012, 2019, 2020) lead the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Kansas Speedway with three victories each. This weekend, eight of the 15 NASCAR Cup Series Kansas winners are active.

 

Let's do this thing, @kansasspeedway! 👏

Retweet if you're ready to drop the green flag this afternoon on FS1! #NASCARSalutes pic.twitter.com/yDMDW4MuU2

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 2, 2021

 

Winners aplenty this season

The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season has become the fourth different year in the Modern Era (1972-Present) with nine or more different winners in the first 10 races; joining 2003 (9 winners), 2000 (10 winners) and 1991 (9 winners). Which bodes the question, Will we see a 10th different winner this weekend at Kansas?

 

There are eight former NASCAR Cup Series winners entered this weekend at Kansas and five them have yet to win this season – Denny Hamlin (three Kansas wins), Kevin Harvick (three Kansas wins), Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman (each with one Kansas win).

 

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch is the only active driver to win in all three NASCAR national series at Kansas Speedway – NCS (2014), NXS (2007, 2014, 2015, 2016) and NCWTS (2014, 2017). He finished 11th in the first Kansas race last season.

 

Four drivers entered this weekend have won at Kansas in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series – Denny Hamlin (NCS, three wins; NXS, one win), Joey Logano (NCS, three wins; NXS, two wins), Kevin Harvick (NCS, three wins; NXS one win) and Brad Keselowski (NCS, two wins; NXS one win).

 

Five other drivers entered this weekend in the NASCAR Cup Series race have won at Kansas Speedway either in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – Chase Briscoe (2020), Christopher Bell (2017) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2012) or the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – Ross Chastain (2019) and William Byron (2016). Three of the five are looking for their first win of the season – Briscoe, Chastain and Stenhouse.

 

Interestingly, the 30 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Kansas Speedway have never been won by a first-time Cup Series winner. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon is the only driver in series history to win in his first appearance at Kansas Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media