The NASCAR Playoffs heads to Kansas Speedway for the second race of the post-season, the Hollywood Casino 400.
Last week Kyle Larson was able to secure his advance to the Round of 12 by winning at Darlington. This week, the remaining drivers in the Round of 16 will be looking to match Kyle’s win to get their own ticket to the next round. Some of the drivers could secure their advance based on points earned in Kansas as well. Below is the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Outlook heading to Kansas.
Kansas Speedway is not an easy track. It is one of the mile-and-a-half intermediate tracks that dominate the circuit. However, with the winds that often blow affecting the cars, it is a challenge for both drivers and pit crews.
Here is what the teams will be dealing with this week at the track on in the race.
Kansas Speedway Data:
Track Size: 1.5-miles
Banking/Turns: 17 to 20 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 10 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 2,685 feet
Backstretch Length: 2,207 feet
Hollywood Casino 400 Data:
Season Race #: 28 of 36 (10-10-23)
NCS Playoff Race #: 2 of 10
Round of 16 Race #: 2 of 3
Race Length: 267 laps / 400.5 miles
Stage 1 Length: 80 laps
Stage 2 Length: 85 laps
Final Stage Length: 102 laps
These are the nine active drivers that have won a Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.
| Denny Hamlin | 4 Wins | 2023, 2020, 2019, 2012 |
| Joey Logano | 3 Wins | 2020, 2015, 2014 |
| Kevin Harvick | 3 Wins | 2018, 2016, 2013 |
| Kyle Busch | 2 Wins | 2021, 2016 |
| Brad Keselowski | 2 Wins | 2019, 2011 |
| Martin Truex Jr | 2 Wins | 2017 sweep |
| Bubba Wallace | 1 Win | 2022 |
| Kyle Larson | 1 Win | 2021 |
| Chase Elliott | 1 Win | 2018 |
Denny Hamlin was dominating last week’s race. He felt he had a loose wheel late in the race forcing him to pit a second time that eliminated his chance to win. You know he will be looking to avenge that situation this week.
Kyle Larson benefited from Denny’s misfortune and get his first Cup Win at Darlington. Since he has his advance to the next round, it will be all about getting his first win at another track again this week.
There were several Playoff drivers that had a bad week last week due to either mistake or misfortune. Those drivers will need to do well (if not win) this week to get their post-season back on track.
It all gets rolling at 2 p.m. central time (3 p.m. eastern time) this Sunday, September 10th in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
By: Buck Stevens
