NASCAR & ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Kansas Speedway)

Winners: Kyle Larson (Cup); Carson Hocevar (Trucks) plus Brenden Queen (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Kyle Larson Claims Kansas in Dominant Fashion for 3rd 2025 Victory

 

On Sunday, after putting his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet on the pole on Saturday, Kyle Larson defended his victory in far more decisive fashion, leading 221 of 267 laps to win the AdventHealth 400 at the 1.5-mile track (Kansas Speedway).

 

The triumph was Larson’s third of the season, tying race runner-up Christopher Bell for most in the series so far this year. The win was Larson’s third at Kansas and the 32nd of his career, tying NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett for 29th on the career list.

 

“Great car, great execution today, too, for our team,” said Larson, who now will start to concentrate on the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 double he’ll attempt for the second time later this month.

 

“Glad to not win by an inch right here this time and a little bit safer gap. But thanks again to the team. Congrats to all of Hendrick Motorsports, the engine shop, everybody there.”

 

Larson reached several significant milestones on Sunday. His career laps led reached 10,073, behind only Kyle Busch (19,440) and Denny Hamlin (15,613) among active full-time drivers.

 

Smoked 'em to make his way to @mobil1racing Victory Lane 💨 pic.twitter.com/8qlwMMcl3l

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) May 11, 2025

Pole: Kyle Larson

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET for the NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

NASCAR Xfinity Series Off Until May 24th

Where champions and names are made.

More moments like these coming soon. pic.twitter.com/hZdTmzvmTv

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 6, 2025

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Hocevar Holds Off Riggs for Truck Series Win at Kansas

 

Carson Hocevar survived last-lap contact from the Ford of Layne Riggs, bounced off the outside wall and half a lap later took the checkered flag to win Saturday night’s Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway.

 

The victory was Hocevar’s first of the season in his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start this year, his first at the 1.5-mile track and the fifth of his career.

 

“I just thought I’d make it entertaining,” Hocevar quipped after climbing from his truck for a frontstretch interview. “That 34 truck (Riggs) was super, super good. This truck was really good on the short runs — I didn’t think he would get to us for how far back he was, but he was super good.

 

“Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve been in a finish like that where it’s been all out there. So credit to him. I know he was going for everything there.”

 

We were for sure entertained! pic.twitter.com/E8QaBdcW7M

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 11, 2025

Pole: Jake Garcia

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:30 pm ET for the Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

ARCA

Brenden Queen Survives One-Lap Shootout to Win the Tide 150

 

An unfortunate sense of déjà vu befell Brenden Queen when he saw the caution flag come out only a few hundred yards away from the start-finish line at Kansas Speedway.

 

It was only a few of months ago at Phoenix Raceway when a spin by Tim Viens on the final lap while Queen was leading forced him to defend the top spot during a one-lap shootout. An aggressive dive by Brent Crews in Turn 3 moved Queen out of the groove, handing Crews the victory and spoiling what had been a dominant performance by Queen.

 

Queen ensured no one got within range of his back bumper during the one-lap shootout that settled Friday’s Tide 150. A perfectly executed restart provided Queen the launch he needed to pull away from the rest of the field, resulting in his second ARCA Menards Series victory in his fifth career start.

 

“I let one get away at Phoenix,” Queen said. “Of course, that was going through my mind at the end of this race, but at the same time, that’s what a race car driver lives for, the opportunity to redeem yourself. These guys work so hard on this car, so the only thing I can do is take them to Waffle House tonight.”

 

🧇🏁 A restart and a winner interview worthy of an All-Star Special.@03Butterbean | @AmandaBusick pic.twitter.com/rOrDjsMvra

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2025

Pole: Lawless Alan

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA East Series will return on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:50 p.m. ET for the Dutch Boy 150 at Flat Rock Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Kansas Race Schedule

ARCA on Friday; Trucks on Saturday; Cup on Sunday

 

Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval, will play host to the ARCA, Truck and Cup series on its first annual NASCAR race weekend. Kansas has been on NASCAR’s national schedule since opening in 2001

 

(All Times Eastern)

Friday, May 9

Garage Open

• 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. — ARCA
• 3:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. — Truck Series

Track Activity

• 5 - 5:45 p.m. — ARCA practice
• 6 - 6:20 p.m. — ARCA qualifying
• 8 p.m. — ARCA race (100 laps, 150 miles; FS1, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Friday Weather: A few clouds but generally sunny with a high of 75 degrees and winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 71 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the ARCA race.

 

Saturday, May 10

Garage Open

• 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Cup Series
• 12:30 p.m. - 12:45 a.m. — Truck Series

Track Activity

• 2:05 - 3 p.m. — Truck practice (FS2)
• 3:10 - 4 p.m. — Truck qualifying (FS2)
• 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. — Cup practice (Prime, MRN)
• 5:40 - 6:30 p.m. — Cup qualifying (Prime, MRN)
• 7:30 p.m. — Truck race (134 laps, 201 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 30, Stage 2 at Lap 60; FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Saturday Weather: Sunny with a high of 79 degrees and winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 76 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the truck race.

 

Sunday, May 11

Garage Open

• Noon - 9:30 p.m. — Cup Series

Track Activity

• 3 p.m. — Cup race (267 laps, 400.5 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 80, Stage 2 at Lap 165; FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Sunday Weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 82 degrees with winds from the east to southeast at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 78 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the Cup race.

 

The NASCAR Experience is back this weekend at @kansasspeedway! pic.twitter.com/rb8a33VJEk

— NASCAR Nation (@NASCARNation) May 9, 2025

 

source: NBC Sports Media

ARCA’s ‘Tide 150’ at Kansas Speedway

Fast Facts and Race Schedule

 

Kick off the race weekend with this Friday night's ARCA Menards Series action at Kansas Speedway! ARCA is where you can watch rising stars battle under the lights in a fast-paced showdown.

 

 

Fast Facts

• RaceTide 150
• Date - Friday, May 9, 2025
• Track - Kansas Speedway
• Layout - 1.5-mile paved tri-oval
• Location - Kansas City, Kansas
• Start time - 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET
• Laps - 100
• Miles - 150
• TV Channel - FS1
• Live stream - Fox Sports App
• Radio - MRN | SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 | ARCARacing.com

We're off to the Sunflower State! 🌻

The ARCA Menards Series makes their first of two visits to @kansasspeedway on Friday for the Tide 150. https://t.co/nMzYvrNqW5

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) May 6, 2025

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 8

• 2 – 5 PM - Credentialing Hours
• 3 PM - Haulers Enter
• 4 – 6 PM - Garage Open (Limited Inspection)

Friday, May 9

• 6 AM – 6 PM - Credentialing Hours
• 7 AM – 11:30 PM - Garage Opens
• 7:05 AM - Crew Chief Meeting (Ams Administration Hauler)
• 7:30 AM - Track Services Meeting (Media Center I Press Conference Room)
• 7:45 AM - Pre-Race Practice Driver And Spotter Meeting (Ams Administration Hauler)
• 8 – 9 AM - Track Preparation
• 8 – 8:15 AM - Rookie On-Track Orientation (Slow Moving Vehicles Only)
• 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM - Optional Pre-Race Practice
• 2 PM - Track Services Meeting
• 2:30 PM - Driver And Spotter Meeting (Race) (Ams Administration Hauler)
• 2:45 PM - Rookie Meeting (Ams Administration Hauler)
• 3 – 4 PM - Track Preparation
• 3 PM - First Time Driver Meeting (Ams Administration Hauler) (Drivers With No Previous Ams Platform Experience)
• 4 – 4:45 PM - Final Practice
• 5 – 5:20 PM - General Tire Pole Qualifying (Timed Session Qualifying / Impound)
• Final Adjustments
• Move Cars To Frontstretch
• 5:40 – 6:10 PM - Autograph Session (Infield Fan Zone)
• 6:50 PM - Driver Introduction (Stage On Pit Road)
• Invocation
• National Anthem
• Command To Start Engines
• Field Rolls From Grid
• 7 PM - Start Of The Tide 150 (150 Miles / 100 Laps)
• 10:30 PM - Haulers Exit

 

source: ARCA Racing Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Kansas / Madera)

Winners: Ross Chastain (Cup); Aric Almirola (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks); Tanner Gray (ARCA); Trevor Huddleston (ARCA West)

NASCAR Cup

Chastain Spoils Playoff Show at Kansas, Posts First Cup Series Win of the Season

 

Ross Chastain’s No 1. Trackhouse Chevrolet came to life in the second half of Sunday‘s Hollywood Casino 400 and beat William Byron‘s Chevrolet to the finish line in a hotly contested Round of 12 opener in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

 

Chastain grabbed the lead from Martin Truex Jr. moments after the final restart on Lap 248 at Kansas Speedway and held off a charging Byron by 0.388 seconds to thwart the playoff driver‘s bid for automatic advancement into the Round of 8.

 

Having failed to qualify for the postseason this year, Chastain reveled in his first victory of the season, his first at Kansas and the fifth of his career.

 

“For us on this 1 team, it’s what Cup racing is all about,” said Chastain, who led 52 laps. “It’s what (team co-owner) Justin Marks bought into Trackhouse with Pitbull, bought into NASCAR with Trackhouse to do stuff like this — to disrupt.

 

“Look, there’s been times this year where we couldn’t have disrupted the minnow pond outside of Darlington, let alone a Cup race. It’s hard. It’s really tough. To come and do this, there are times where I didn’t think after practicing and qualifying we had what it took. I thought we have been way stronger here in the past. It didn’t feel great all day, but our Kubota Chevy, it was better as the rubber went down, and the adjustments were great.”

 

It’s the Melon Man in @Mobil1 Victory Lane!#HollywoodCasino400 pic.twitter.com/q37YeQ00JO

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) September 29, 2024

Pole: Christopher Bell

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET for the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Aric Almirola Plays Spoiler, Wins Xfinity Playoffs Opener

 

Aric Almirola surged to victory in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs opener at Kansas Speedway, bypassing Cole Custer in the 197th of 200 laps and denying the circuit’s postseason hopefuls early advancement.

"For me, to be able to scratch the itch of driving race cars and competing at a high level, I absolutely love this," Almirola said. "I did not want to walk away from exactly what I did today. That adrenaline rush of what I did today is irreplaceable. You can not do that anywhere else."

 

Almirola’s No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota led 16 of the 200 laps in the Kansas Lottery 300. His second win of the season in a part-time role was his first at the 1.5-mile Kansas City track and the sixth of his Xfinity Series career.

 

"It's exactly what I set out to do when Coach (Gibbs) called me. I really didn't have a plan. I was retiring and didn't know what was next," Almirola said. "Coach called, I met with him, and we talked a lot about what this could look like, and it has been so gratifying. I truly believe it was an answered prayer for me, (wife) Janice and our family."

 

Well that was fun!

6 more! pic.twitter.com/xA4Em3YC6v

— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) September 29, 2024

Pole: Brandon Jones

Click Here for Race Results 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 4:00 PM ET for the United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

NASCAR Trucks

Corey Heim Completes Season Sweep at Kansas in NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Elimination Race

 

Corey Heim won Friday night’s Kubota Tractor 200 in the fastest truck, but he needed help from fellow Playoff driver Ty Majeski to secure the victory in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Round of 10 elimination race at Kansas Speedway.

 

Majeski ran out of fuel approaching the white flag while leading, allowing Heim to surge past in his No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota and claim his sixth victory of the season in a race that saw reigning series champion Ben Rhodes and Playoff rookie Daniel Dye eliminated from title contention.

 

“We were the best truck all night-it’s my favorite track, I love coming here,” said Heim, who won at the 1.5-mile speedway in the spring. “I look forward to this. I had a smile on my face all week coming to this place.

 

“I just thought we could sweep the year here. It’s an awesome place to come. I certainly thought we had it lost there to the 98 (Majeski), almost making it on fuel, but it just shows my team made the right call.”

 

The victory was Heim’s second at Kansas and the 11th of his career. He led a race-high 64 laps in an event that featured 10 lead changes among three drivers.

 

W. 6 piece! Thank you @tricon @safelite #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/K4HuMxFHA2

— Corey Heim (@CoreyHeim_) September 28, 2024

Pole: Ty Majeski

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 4:30 PM ET for the Love's RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

ARCA

Tanner Gray Holds on in Thrilling Finish to Win Reese’s 150 at Kansas Speedway

 

Although the ARCA stat sheet will show Tanner Gray dominated Friday’s Reese’s 150 at Kansas Speedway, his journey to the checkered flag was anything but smooth.

 

Contact with Amber Balcaen on the final restart of the day left Gray with a slow leak in his left rear tire, but he still had enough car and tire to hold off Connor Zilisch, Corey Day and Andy Jankowiak in the final laps. Gray’s resolve, and his tire, lasted until the checkered flag, resulting in his second ARCA Menards Series victory of 2024.

 

One more lap and Gray would have been denied the victory because his left rear tire went flat just as he reached Turn 1 on the cooldown lap. He was fortunate the tire lasted to the finish so that he could celebrate putting together a complete race behind the wheel of Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 Toyota.

 

“It’s obviously gratifying when you can come here and close these things out,” Gray said. “We’ve been in a position to win most of them this year, but I haven’t done a good a very good job on the restarts at the end. It’s been a lot of fun racing with [Joe Gibbs Racing] this year and hopefully we can do this some more in the future.”

 

HE WILL NOT BE DENIED!@tannergray5 wins the @reeses 150 at @kansasspeedway and has a flat tire seconds after crossing the finish line! pic.twitter.com/njmLhGmBdI

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 27, 2024

Pole: Isabella Robusto

Click Here for Race Results 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 4:10 pm ET for the Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway.

 

ARCA West

Trevor Huddleston Dominates ARCA West at Madera Speedway

 

Trevor Huddleston topped the ARCA Menards Series West portion of the 51st Harvest Classic at Madera Speedway on Saturday night.

 

Huddleston won the West Coast Stock Car / Motorsports Hall of Fame 150 in a door-banging duel with 2023 ARCA Menards Series West champion Sean Hingorani.

 

Huddleston proposed to his longtime girlfriend Nastasia Dodd in victory lane as well at the speedway where they first met.

 

“What a race! This car…absolutely epic! Race Car Factory, High Point Racing, everybody who made this possible - I can’t thank them enough. Getting these wins isn’t easy,” Huddleston said.

 

Going to have a hard time finding a more memorable Victory Lane interview than this 💍

Congrats, @TrevorHudd50! pic.twitter.com/KWBkBLMZZd

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 29, 2024

Pole: Jaron Giannini

Click Here for Race Results 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 7:55 pm PT for the NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Berco Redwood at All American Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR / ARCA Media

NASCAR Race Schedule for Kansas Speedway

ARCA, Craftsman Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup Series

 

NASCAR returns to Kansas Speedway today, September 27 to the 29th, with four incredible races over three days.

 

It begins Friday, September 27, with a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series / ARCA Menards Series doubleheader and continues Saturday, September 28, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series' Kansas Lottery 300.

 

Then on Sunday, Sept. 29., the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will compete in the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET, the first race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs‘ Round of 12.

 

Friday September 27, 2024

• 1:10 p.m. ET ARCA Practice
  
• :10 p.m. ET ARCA Qualifying
• 3:30 p.m. ET Craftsman Truck Series Practice
• 4 p.m. ET Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying
• 5:30 p.m. ET ARCA Race Reese's 150
• 8:30 p.m. ET Craftsman Truck Race - Kubota Tractor 200
  

Saturday September 28, 2024

• 11:05 a.m. ET Xfinity Practice
• 11:35 a.m. ET Xfinity Qualifying
• 1:05 p.m. ET Cup Practice
• 1:45 p.m. ET Cup Qualifying
• 4 p.m. ET Xfinity Race - Kansas Lottery 300

Sunday September 29, 2024

• 3 p.m. ET Cup Race - Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET

From multi-groove racing to photo finishes, @kansasspeedway has it all.

The next great #NASCARPlayoffs moment comes Sunday. pic.twitter.com/kn8wMg52k1

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 24, 2024

 

source: NASCAR Media

Bob Moses to Perform in Rowdy Road Concert Series

September 29th, 2024 at Kansas Speedway

 

Kansas Speedway announced that Bob Moses (Club Set), the Vancouver-bred duo consisting of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance, will be performing in the Highline District on Sunday, Sept. 29, as part of NASCAR‘s Rowdy Road concert series. The concert will prelude the NASCAR Cup Series‘ return to the most exciting track on the schedule in the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET at 2 p.m.

 

“We‘re dedicated to continually leveling up the hype around our events, and having Bob Moses perform in the Highline District certainly accomplishes that,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “With the pairing of electrifying music and racing, you won‘t find a better fan experience anywhere else than at Kansas Speedway.”

 

The electronic duo came to life in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012. Early single releases on taste-making electronic label Scissor & Thread led to signing with Domino and the late 2015 release of their debut album Days Gone By.

 

Meshing guitar licks, a moody smolder and a dash of dance-floor ambience with lyrical depth and classic songwriting, the duo created a sound that appeals equally to club goers and rock music fans. Translating their sound seamlessly to the live performance realm, years of nonstop global touring – including appearances at every major festival from Glastonbury and Coachella to Lollapalooza and beyond – cemented the duo‘s live reputation and repeated recognition as Resident Advisor‘s Best Live Act. A standout performance on The Ellen Show, a pair of nominations at both the Junos and the Grammys (and a Grammy win), and a top 15 US Alternative radio hit with “Tearing Me Up,” have further sealed the band‘s burgeoning mainstream success.

 

Their 2018 album Battle Lines was met with immense praise upon release. The duo found themselves expanding their sonic palette, embracing their most inventive instincts and infusing their lyrics with a more outward-looking perspective, leading to it being named one of Billboard‘s “Best Electronic Albums of 2018.”

 

In 2020 with the world in quarantine, Bob Moses doubled down by releasing Desire, the continuously mixed “concept album for the club” featuring the hit title-track collaboration with ZHU and their own epic concert film Falling into Focus and its accompanying live album. In 2022 they released their third full-length album The Silence in Between powered by the pulsing lead single “Love Brand New” which topped the Alternative radio charts for weeks in both the US and Canada.

NASCAR's Rowdy Road concert series is making a stop at the Highline District next Sunday featuring a performance by @Bobmosesmusic 😎

Join us and secure your #HollywoodCasino400 tickets today!

🎟️: https://t.co/hjxuoaJbs5 pic.twitter.com/gu2Udz7ZOG

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) September 20, 2024

 

source: Kansas Speedway Media

NASCAR Cup ‘Hollywood Casino 400’ Starting Lineup

Christopher Bell Clinches Busch Light Pole in Kansas Qualifying

 

Kansas Speedway marks midway point of the Playoffs’ Round of 16

 

Christopher Bell earned a second chance on Saturday. For the second straight NASCAR Cup Series playoff race, Bell will start from the pole position after a blistering lap at 180.276 mph (29.954 seconds) in the final round of qualifying for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway (3 p.m. ET, USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App).

 

As a result of his 23rd-place finish in the Round of 16 opener, Bell came to Kansas 12th in the Cup standings, just one point ahead of Bubba Wallace in 13th. The pole position at the 1.5-mile speedway gives him a chance at redemption.

 

“That was a lot of fun,” Bell said. “Qualifying here is very intense. That’s certainly all we had. I felt very good in practice today in race trim. Week after week we come to the race track with cars that are capable of racing for wins. …

 

“(Winning the pole) definitely takes a little bit of pressure off. If you’ve got a fast car, you can just go out there and run your pace. Clean air feels a lot better than being back in the pack.”

 

Hollywood Casino 400 starting lineup

1. #20 - Christopher Bell
2. #5 - Kyle Larson
3. #19 - Martin Truex Jr.
4. #9 - Chase Elliott
5. #45 - Tyler Reddick
6. #1 - Ross Chastain
7. #34 - Michael McDowell
8. #3 - Austin Dillon
9. #24 - William Byron
10. #23 - Bubba Wallace
11. #22 - Joey Logano
12. #6 - Brad Keselowski
13. #17 - Chris Buescher
14. #11 - Denny Hamlin
15. #99 - Daniel Suarez
16. #47 - Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
17. #12 - Ryan Blaney
18. #2 - Austin Cindric
19. #43 - Erik Jones
20. #4 - Kevin Harvick
21. #42 - Carson Hocevar
22. #16 - AJ Allmendinger
23. #48 - Alex Bowman
24. #7 - Corey LaJoie
25. #10 - Aric Almirola
26. #14 - Chase Briscoe
27. #51 - Cole Custer
28. #41 - Ryan Preece
29. #21 - Harrison Burton
30. #31 - Justin Haley
31. #15 - JJ Yeley
32. #38 - Todd Gilliland
33. #77 - Ty Dillon
34. #78 - Sheldon Creed
35. #8 - Kyle Busch
36. #54 - Ty Gibbs (R)

 

***Note: Playoff driver Kyle Busch will start from the rear of the field for the second straight race after a flat tire sent him into the outside wall during practice, necessitating repairs to his No. 8 Chevrolet, which did not make a qualifying run. Ty Gibbs suffered a similar fate during practice and will start from the rear in a backup car.

 

HAPPY RACEDAY!

It’s #HollywoodCasino400 Sunday, and YOU can still come see it!

🎟️https://t.co/XbLhPlOPb1🎟️#NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/7LpdX4yVml

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) September 10, 2023

• Next Race: Hollywood Casino 400
• The Place: Kansas Speedway
• The Date: Sunday, September 10
• The Time: 3 p.m. ET
• The Purse: $8,806,315
• TV: USA, 2:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Distance: 400.5 miles (267 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 80)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 165)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 267)

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Round of Eight Drivers

Two Matts Drop from Truck Playoffs

 

Ben Rhodes battled an ill-handling truck all night and wound up 25th, two laps down at Kansas Speedway on Friday night. Matt DiBenedetto stormed to a third-place finish in the Kansas Lottery 200.

 

And yet the two Round of 10 contenders ended up on opposite sides of the elimination line as the first round of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs came to a close: Rhodes advanced to the Round of 8 by a scant five points, while DiBenedetto was ousted from the postseason grid along with Matt Crafton, who was 11 points shy of advancing.

 

The opening slate of the Round of 8 scheduled for Thursday night (September 14th) at Bristol Motor Speedway (8 PM ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

 

 

The Round of Eight Truck Drivers

1. Grant Enfinger
2. Ty Majeski
3. Corey Heim
4. Christian Eckes
5. Carson Hocevar
6. Zane Smith
7. Nicholas Sanchez
8. Ben Rhodes

Meet your #NASCARPlayoffs Round of 8 drivers! pic.twitter.com/BRjfXJyPu7

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) September 9, 2023

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Fans Can Now Take a Putting Pit Stop at Kansas Speedway

New miniature golf attraction added for upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 weekend, Sept. 8-10

 

Kansas Speedway added pickleball courts in May to rave reviews from race fans. Now they added nine holes of miniature golf for the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 Weekend, Sept. 8-10.

 

The track announced in August that it is including a new Putting Pit Stop inside the infield’s Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk. It provides yet another way for NASCAR  fans and their families to enjoy the weekend PAR-ty, all golf puns intended.

 

“Our goal is to help our race fans make memories that last a lifetime,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “Adding opportunities like this just makes a great weekend of racing even better, and we’ll continue looking at additional elements that take our fan experience to the next level.”

 

The Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk is located in the heart of Kansas Speedway’s infield. It is within walking distance of Ruoff Mortgage Victory Lane and the NASCAR garages providing unmatched sights and sounds for race fans of all ages. In addition to the new miniature golf course, race fans can enjoy music from live DJs, take a spin on racing simulators and enjoy appearances from their favorite drivers on the Cabo Wabo® Tequila Fan Walk Stage.

 

Fans with tickets to Friday and Saturday’s racing can purchase access to this area for $15 on those days. On Sunday, access requires a $75 Pre-Race Pass, but that also includes the best access to the pre-race stage for the 38 Special concert and driver introductions. Fans with this pass can also sign their name on the start-finish line, leaving a lasting memory of their Kansas Speedway experience.

 

The pickleball courts, provided in partnership with Chicken N Pickle, are free to all ticket holders in the Turn 1 Highline District. Seats in the exclusive Highline Club, located directly below this area, have already sold out for the Hollywood Casino 400.

 

Get yourself ready for an action-packed weekend by viewing the Fan Guide!#NASCARPlayoffs | #HollywoodCasino400 | #KansasLottery300 | #KansasLottery200 | #SiouxChief150

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) September 4, 2023

 

source: Kansas Speedway Media

KC Pioneers, eNASCAR to host 3v3 Rocket League Tournament at Kansas Speedway

Players will compete for $2,000 prize pool prior to the Hollywood Casino 400

 

Building on a partnership with the Kansas City Pioneers and eNASCAR, Kansas Speedway announced today that it will host a 3v3 Rocket League Tournament presented by Army National Guard on Sunday, September 10. The esports tournament, with a prize pool of $2,000, will be held in the Kansas Speedway midway. It is free to enter and open to all, although space is limited. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude just before the green flag drops on the Hollywood Casino 400 at 2 p.m. Gamers can register for the tournament using this link. 

 

“We’re thrilled to further our partnership with the Kansas City Pioneers and eNASCAR to put on an exciting experience for gamers and our fans,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “The 3v3 Rocket League Tournament will bring yet another thrilling addition to our midway before the Hollywood Casino 400.”

 

As part of eNASCAR’s involvement, professional eNASCAR drivers Wyatt Tinsley and Derek Justis from the Kansas City Pioneers will be in attendance. Both drivers currently compete in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, the sport’s highest level of iRacing. 

 

“There are so many crossovers between gaming and racing that can bring new fans to NASCAR and provide existing fans an even stronger connection with the sport,” said NASCAR Director of Esports and Gaming Ray Smith. “With the help of the Kansas City Pioneers, Kansas Speedway, and two of our most talented eNASCAR drivers, we look forward to strengthening the connection between NASCAR and gaming, while introducing each to their passionate audiences.”

 

The 3v3 Rocket League Tournament presented by Army National Guard comes in the second year of an alliance created to introduce an entirely new demographic to the traditional powerhouse sport of NASCAR. 

 

“There is no question that there are unavoidable threads of similarity and intersection between the virtual and online sport of eNASCAR/iRacing and the visceral, very real, and traditional sport of NASCAR,” said Pioneer’s Chief Marketing Officer Sam Kulikov. “It’s exciting to be a catalyst in using those threads to bring the gamer audience into traditional motorsports and vice versa. eNASCAR and the Kansas Speedway have been perfect partners in making that a reality.”

 

The Hollywood Casino 400 will wrap up a jam-packed weekend of racing as the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoff race kickstart the action on Friday, Sept. 8, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season finale on Saturday, Sep. 9. The second race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs takes the green flag on Sunday, Sep. 10 for the Hollywood Casino 400. 

 

Fans should secure their tickets now at www.kansasspeedway.com while supplies last.

From fast cars to flying cars 🏎️💨

The Stateline Showdown Series ⚔ Presented by: @NationalGuard

3v3 Rocket League Tournament LIVE at @KansasSpeedway 🏁#StatelineShowdownSeries | #HollywoodCasino400

🎟️ REGISTER: https://t.co/fiIPVlPKas pic.twitter.com/FdSYMRuEw4

— Pioneers (@PioneersGG) August 25, 2023

About Kansas Speedway

Kansas Speedway is a premier motorsports facility in the Midwest. The track, which opened in 2001, hosts two NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, along with approximately 200 other event days each year. This includes the annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the largest barbecue competition in the world which attracts teams both nationally and internationally. The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2012, overlooks Turn 2 of the track. Kansas Speedway’s two NASCAR weekends in 2023 will take place May 6-7 and Sept. 8-10. Fans can purchase tickets at www.kansasspeedway.com and get all of the latest information by downloading the NASCAR tracks app at www.kansasspeedway.com/nascar-tracks-app.

 

source: Kansas Speedway Media

NASCAR and ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Kansas)

Winners: Kurt Busch (Cup); Zane Smith (Trucks) and Nick Sanchez 

 

NASCAR Cup

Kurt Busch Charges to Dramatic Win

 

In an event fraught with pit road mistakes and mechanical issues, Kurt Busch ran an impeccable race.

 

In an intensely competitive run to the finish of Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, Busch nosed past leader Kyle Larson at the finish line on Lap 259 of 267 and completed the pass two corners later off Turn 2, as Larson scraped the outside wall.

 

Seven laps later, Busch’s No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota crossed the finish line 1.413 seconds ahead of Larson to win for the first time at Kansas, the first time this season and the 34th time in his career. Busch has now won NASCAR Cup races for five different car owners and with four different manufacturers.

 

“If I can get one Kyle, I can get both,” said an elated Busch, who passed brother Kyle Busch, the third-place finisher, 11 circuits after a restart on Lap 235.

 

With 21 laps left Busch began his pursuit of Larson, making up ground as traffic became a factor. On Lap 259 Busch pulled even to the inside of Larson, as the drivers raced side-by-side from the backstretch to the finish line, with Busch inches ahead at the stripe.

 

Busch widened his advantage through the first two corners of Lap 260 and cleared the No. 5 Chevrolet as Larson brushed the wall near the exit of Turn 2.

 

“It’s all about teamwork,” Busch said. “I don’t do this alone, and the way that Toyota’s helped us, JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing)… My little brother has been so important, just on the family side of ‘Hey, you’ve got to get through these steps.’

 

“But this is 23XI. This is our first win with the 45 car, and with Jordan Brand on the hood, I felt like I had to play like the GOAT, race like the GOAT. I had to beat the Kyles. I beat both.”

 

This was a bucket list win. Can’t put into words how much this means. pic.twitter.com/Wl3jN3fkfw

— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) May 16, 2022

Pole: Christopher Bell

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on May 22 for the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

The NASCAR Xfinity Series Had an Off-Week.

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on May 21 for the SRS Distribution 250 at Texas Motor Speedway. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Zane Smith Cruises to Truck Series Win

 

Zane Smith put on a dominant display in the Hearth of America 200. Smith outlasted a late challenge from Ty Majeski to capture his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win of the season and the sixth of his career.

 

“It was really just an unbelievable truck,” Smith said. “So dang cool. That was one of my easier ones I’ve ever had to win, but that late-race restart scared me a little bit.”

 

Sooo last night… great truck, great team & great execution. Win #3 of the year! I ❤️ you @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/5EnMs4wkZz

— Zane Smith (@zanesmith77) May 15, 2022

Pole: John Hunter Nemechek

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on May 20 for the SpeedyCash.com 220 at Texas Motor Speedway. 

 

 

ARCA

Another Win for Nick Sanchez Moves Him into a Tie for the ARCA Points Lead

 

Nick Sanchez won the Dutch Boy 150 by holding off a hard charging Rajah Carruth in the final laps. After picking up his first ARCA Menards Series victory at Kansas Speedway last October, Sanchez took advantage of a late-race accident between Corey Heim and Drew Dollar  to collect the third win of his budding career.

 

“I think (Dollar) was just pushing a little too hard there at the bottom and obviously side force here is everything,” Sanchez said. “(Heim) took it off, and they both hit the wall. I saw it coming. (Dollar) started off pretty free, and I was able to stay at the bottom and capitalize on his mistakes.”

 

“It’s all momentum, and your car has to let you keep up momentum as much as possible,” he said.

 

If you missed the Dutch Boy 150 on Saturday, it was a monster result for #TeamChevy at the @kansasspeedway. @nicksanchez080 grabbed the win and @rajahcaruth_ brought home P2 to secure a 1-2 finish. pic.twitter.com/OVmILkHtuz

— Chevrolet Motorsports (@TeamChevy) May 16, 2022

Pole: Corey Heim

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on 05/27/2022 for the General Tire 150 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Next Race: The SRX Series will return on 06/18/2022 for the SRX Series Season Opener at Five Flags Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Hendrick Motorsports Looks to Continue 1.5-mile Mastery at Kansas

Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman earn top-10 starting spots at Kansas

 

Kansas Speedway has been a strong track for the quartet of Hendrick Motorsports drivers in recent years. The 1.5-mile track stands as the next stop on the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series schedule as it hosts the 13th race of the season on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 

Dating back to 2021, Hendrick Motorsports has won the last four races on 1.5-mile tracks including a 1-2 finish at Kansas last fall. Kyle Larson's October win was the organization's eighth victory at the Sunflower State track, which is the most among all teams. The driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 led nearly half of the laps at this track last year – 262 of a possible of 534 laps.

 

However, crew chief Cliff Daniels isn't resting on last year’s triumph.

 

"We had success there last year, but this weekend is another track we are visiting for the first time with the Next Gen car so there is still a lot to learn," Daniels said. "Kansas is just one of those tracks where you have to respect the track because it can draw you into thinking it’s pretty straightforward, but the lanes can change a lot throughout the race."

 

Larson has four top fives and six top 10s in 14 starts here. NASCAR's reigning Cup Series champion has won four of his last 10 races on 1.5-mile tracks after going winless in his first 71 races on that track length.

 

Chase Elliott also has a win to his name at Kansas with his victory coming in 2018. In fact, this has been one of his best tracks as his 9.8 average finish there is second only to Kevin Harvick among active drivers. That mark also stands as his best 1.5-mile track among active tracks on the Cup circuit. He has six top-five finishes and eight top-10s in 12 starts.

 

Over the last seven races here, the driver of the No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, he has five top-five finishes and one finish outside the top six in that stretch. The current Cup Series points leader enters Sunday with a streak of eight straight top-10 finishes on 1.5-mile tracks – his longest streak on that track length.

 

"Each track presents its own set of challenges, but I think our team as a whole has done a good job of adapting and I don’t think that will be any different this weekend," Elliott said.

 

🎨 too hard we had to bring it back for @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/k2PuQ4TVv7

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) May 11, 2022

 

Larson, Bowman earn top-10 starting spots at Kansas

Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman will be starting inside the top 10 for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

 

Larson’s final round lap of 178.772 mph in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 earned him third on the starting grid. The reigning Cup Series champion is the most recent winner at this track and led 262 laps here last year. The Elk Grove, California, native was also third on the 10-lap average board following the group practice session.

 

Bowman’s mark of 177.567 mph earned the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 the eighth spot in the lineup. This is the Tucson, Arizona, native’s sixth top-10 start at Kansas and in the previous five, he earned top-10 finishes.

 

Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2016, Alex Bowman's 9.7 average finish at Kansas is his best mark of any active oval in the Cup Series. Among his two top fives in 13 starts, Bowman was the runner-up finisher in the 2019 spring race. The Tucson, Arizona, native’s five top 10s match his most at any one track (Dover Motor Speedway being the other) in the series and he has four top-10 finishes in his last seven runs there.

 

On top of that, the driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 won earlier this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile track that used the same base rules package being run at Kansas.

 

"Kansas Speedway has always been a place I feel like I run well at," Bowman said. "Getting the win at Las Vegas this season helps our confidence at a similar track. We have to stay focused and take it one race at a time and this week, it is a place that I enjoy racing at."

 

While coming off a heartbreaking result in the closing laps at Darlington Raceway may still sting, William Byron's Kansas numbers show he has a really good chance to bounce right back. The 24-year-old driver has five straight top 10s at the venue, which is his longest such streak in his young Cup career. HIs five top 10s in eight starts are tied for his most at any on track with Martinsville Speedway and Pocono Raceway.

 

Entering this weekend, the driver of the No. 24 RaptorTough.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is tied for second in the point standings with Ryan Blaney, 65 markers behind his teammate Elliott. Like Bowman, Byron also has a win on a 1.5-mile track in 2022 with his first victory of the year coming at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March.

 

In fact, Byron, Bowman and Elliott are three of the five drivers (Ross Chastain and Martin Truex Jr. are the others) to finish in the top 10 in both 1.5-mile races this season and the Charlotte, North Carolina, native is one of two drivers (Chastain is the other) to finish in the top five in both races.

 

"We’re continuing to build on our intermediate package as the season goes with the Next Gen car," No. 24 crew chief Rudy Fugle. "I think we can really use some of our notes from Vegas for this weekend especially since we will be using the same right side tire we ran there. I also think some of our notes from the fall race at Kansas last season will correlate as well. With its progressive banking and with how sensitive it is to temperature, we'll have to keep up with the track not only throughout the weekend but throughout the race on Sunday to be in contention at the end."

 

FIVE FAST FACTS HEADING INTO KANSAS
(Data courtesy of Racing Insights)

1. 4: Dating back to last October at Texas Motor Speedway and including last fall's at Kansas (two races won by Larson), Hendrick Motorsports has won the last four races on 1.5-mile tracks. That mark is tied for the longest such streak in Cup Series history, matching Furniture Row Racing's streak in 2017
   
2. 5: The amount of top-10 finishes for Bowman at Kansas, which is tied with Dover Motor Speedway for his most at a track in the Cup Series. Five is also the streak of top-10 finishes that Byron has at this venue, dating back to October 2019.
3. 8: The number of wins Hendrick Motorsports has at Kansas, which is the most among all teams. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson both won three times at this track. Elliott and Larson each have been victorious once.
4. 9.75: Elliott's average finish at the Kansas City, Kansas track, which is the second-best mark among active Cup Series drivers. Going by average finish, this is tied as Elliott's third-best oval track.v
5. 2,535: The number of miles Hendrick Motorsports has led at Kansas in the Cup Series. The organization is 401 miles away from having led 100,000 miles in the sport's top series.

 

source: Hendrick's Motorsports