Kansas Speedway

Kansas Speedway stands as one of the premier racing facilities in the American Midwest, offering high-speed competition on its 1.5-mile tri-oval since 2001. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, just 15 minutes west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, this NASCAR-owned and operated facility has become a cornerstone of racing in the region. The speedway combines modern amenities with exciting racing action, drawing thousands of fans to experience the thrill of motorsports in a purpose-built venue.

The Birth of Kansas Speedway

The speedway opened its gates on June 2, 2001, when Jason Jarrett won the inaugural ARCA Racing Series event. International Speedway Corporation (now part of NASCAR) built the track to bring major oval racing to the Midwest market. The facility made history in its first year by hosting both NASCAR and the Indy Racing League during the same weekend—a first in American motorsports. Jeff Gordon claimed victory in the first NASCAR Cup Series race at the track, beginning a legacy of competition that continues today.

Track Design and Specifications

The main oval measures 1.5 miles (2.414 km) in length, though IndyCar used a slightly longer 1.52-mile (2.45 km) configuration during its tenure from 2001 to 2010. The track features progressive banking in its four turns, ranging from 17 to 20 degrees. This design allows drivers to find multiple racing lines, creating side-by-side racing opportunities. The frontstretch has 9-11 degrees of banking, while the backstretch features a more modest 5-degree banking. In addition to the oval, Kansas Speedway contains a 2.37-mile (3.81 km) road course with six turns. This "roval" configuration utilizes portions of the infield and the main oval, adding versatility to the facility's racing calendar.

Racing Portfolio

Kansas Speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events annually: the AdventHealth 400 in the spring and the Hollywood Casino 400 in the fall. The track added its second Cup Series weekend in 2011, the same year it discontinued IndyCar competition. The speedway also welcomes the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the Kansas Lottery 300 and hosts multiple NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. From 2013 to 2014, the road course hosted the IMSA Sportscar Championship Grand Prix of Kansas, showcasing the facility's ability to accommodate various racing disciplines. The speedway's history includes the IndyCar Series RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300, which ran from 2001 to 2010.

Facility Features

The speedway occupies a strategic location at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 435, providing easy access for fans. In 2011, the track installed lights to enable night racing, enhancing the spectator experience. The Hollywood Casino overlooks Turn 2, offering a unique entertainment option adjacent to the racing action. The infield area is remarkably spacious—large enough to contain both Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium plus their connecting parking lot. For camping enthusiasts, the speedway dedicates 92 acres with 2,000 reserved spots. Fans can access the infield via the FanWalk to observe teams preparing for races.

Racing Milestones

Kansas Speedway recently made NASCAR history in 2024 when Kyle Larson defeated Chris Buescher by a mere 0.001 seconds—the closest finish ever recorded in NASCAR competition. This photo finish exemplifies the exciting racing the track consistently delivers. Beyond racing, the speedway hosts approximately 200 event days annually, including the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. With seating for 48,000 spectators and parking capacity for over 35,000 vehicles, Kansas Speedway has established itself as a vital sports and entertainment venue in the Midwest.