The breadbasket of America plays host to the Chase for the Sprint Cup this weekend, as the fastest drivers in the country drive through the countryside at Kansas Speedway. At a track known for speed and fuel mileage racing, who will take the checkered flag?
Here are your four storylines to follow for NASCAR at Kansas Speedway:
Where the Weather May Roam
After another week where a Sprint Cup Series race was rained out one day and moved to the next, there looks to be bright sunshine and no chance of rain for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas. However, weather will likely still play a prominent role in the handling of the cars. With Kansas being one of the few tracks to not be fully enclosed by stands and suites, the wind coming through the corners could make for a tricky day for drivers and crew chiefs.
Fuel and Fire
Fuel mileage has almost always gone hand in hand with Kansas Speedway, including throughout their history in the Chase. Already this season, Kevin Harvick has lost two big fuel gambles. Will he or won’t he try and gamble if necessary again on Sunday?
WWKBD – What would Kyle Busch do?
Following last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch sits on the outside of the Round 3 Chase bubble, coming into a track that has not been so kind to him in the past. In fifteen races at the track, Busch has only claimed one top five, which came in his last race in the heartland. It also is one of only five tracks that Busch has not claimed a win, and with Talladega looming next week, a win may be necessary for him to continue on.
Freaky Fast Favorites
Looking ahead to who could win this weekend at Kansas, there are certainly contenders both inside and outside of the Chase grid. Jimmie Johnson and Austin Dillon have performed well among the outsiders at this track, while chasers like Martin Truex Jr. and Jeff Gordon have excellent history with the speedway as well. Be sure to share your picks for the race with us before the green flag drops.
The racing weekend from Kansas Speedway kicks off with the final race of the ARCA Racing Series season on Friday night on FS1. Then, the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes center stage with a 300-mile race on Saturday afternoon, which can be seen on NBCSN. Finally, the Sprint Cup Series takes to the track in the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday on NBC.
Main Image
