This weekend, NASCAR returns to Kansas Speedway for a milestone event: the 40th running of a Cup Series race at the 1.5-mile oval. Since hosting its first Cup race in 2001, the track has grown into one of the sport’s most pivotal venues, especially during the Playoffs. Kansas is one of only four tracks to host a postseason event every year since the format began in 2004, and it remains one of just two tracks, alongside Las Vegas, to stage races in all three rounds of the Playoffs. For the 2025 season, Kansas once again holds a critical role as the middle race in the Round of 12.
The track has consistently delivered drama, especially in recent years. Three of the last five races at Kansas were decided in the final two laps, including two last-lap passes. In 2024, Kyle Larson edged Chris Buescher by 0.001 seconds in the closest finish in Cup Series history. Despite all this unpredictability, Kansas has never crowned a first-time Cup winner across its 39 events—a distinction unmatched by any other active track. For Playoff contenders, that means experience and proven success matter more than ever.
Among the 12 drivers fighting to advance, seven already own wins at Kansas, and Hendrick Motorsports has set the standard. The team has finished first or second in six of the last eight races here. Larson, in particular, has been dominant, leading 760 laps at Kansas since 2021 and winning three of the last 10 races, including a record-setting performance in May where he paced 221 circuits—the most ever led in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile track. With Larson also tied for the most top-10 finishes on intermediate tracks in 2025, he enters the weekend as the clear favorite.
Toyota-backed teams, however, remain strong challengers. 23XI Racing has claimed three of its nine career victories at Kansas, while Christopher Bell has led laps in seven straight races at the speedway, tying a record. Toyota drivers swept the first round of this year’s Playoffs and led nearly 80% of the laps during that stretch, showing they have both speed and consistency. Still, momentum shifted at New Hampshire, where no Toyota finished better than sixth, raising questions about whether their early advantage can carry into the tougher second round.
While much of the spotlight falls on the Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series also plays a crucial role at Kansas this weekend. Rising star Connor Zilisch is rewriting the record books, posting 15 straight top-five finishes, nine wins in his rookie season, and the best win percentage in series history. With Kansas serving as the second race in the Xfinity Playoff Round of 12, drivers such as Carson Kvapil, Harrison Burton, and Sheldon Creed find themselves hovering just above the cutline, while veterans like Justin Allgaier look to lock in advancement with a strong performance. As always, the 1.5-mile layout promises close finishes—five Xfinity races this season have been decided on the final lap.
Beyond the racing itself, Kansas Speedway continues to be a cornerstone of NASCAR’s Midwest presence. Opened in 2001, the facility has become a hub for both motorsports and entertainment, complete with the Hollywood Casino overlooking Turn 2. This year’s Hollywood Casino 400 will carry extra Kansas City flair, with local radio legend Johnny Dare and members of his Morning Show serving as Grand Marshals. For fans, it’s not just another Playoff race—it’s a celebration of speed, history, and community at one of NASCAR’s most action-packed tracks.
Kansas Speedway Weekend Schedule
Friday, Sept. 26
8:00 pm ARCA Race: Reese’s 150 TV: FS1; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
Saturday, Sept. 27
10:30 am Xfinity Series Practice & Kennametal Pole Qualifying, Streaming: CW App
1:00 pm Cup Series Practice & Busch Light Pole Qualifying, TV: truTV; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
4:00 pm Xfinity Series Race Kansas Lottery 300, TV: CW; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
Sunday, Sept. 28
3:00 pm Cup Series Race: Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET, TV: USA; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
Weather Report
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Friday, Sept 26: Sunny, high around 83 °F (28 °C), low near 59 °F (15 °C)
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Saturday, Sept 27: Mostly sunny and pleasant, high near 84 °F (29 °C), low about 61 °F (16 °C)
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Sunday, Sept 28: Sunny again, high about 84 °F (29 °C), low near 63 °F (17 °C)
