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 facility has become a cornerstone of stock car racing in the region. NASCAR acquired ownership and operation of the speedway in 2019. The facility combines modern safety features with competitive racing action, drawing thousands of fans to experience 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 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 with an asphalt surface throughout. The track features progressive banking in its turns, ranging from 17 to 20 degrees. This design allows drivers to find multiple racing lines, creating side-by-side racing opportunities and exciting multi-groove competition. The frontstretch has 9 to 11 degrees of banking, while the backstretch features a more modest 5-degree banking. In 2012, Kansas Speedway added a permanent infield road course as part of major renovations. This road course can combine with portions of the oval to create a "roval" configuration measuring 2.370 miles (3.814 km) in length. The entire surface uses asphalt paving.

Safety Innovations

Kansas Speedway incorporates extensive SAFER barriers (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction System) along its walls. As of 2010, the track featured 1.28 miles of SAFER barriers, one of the longest installations on the NASCAR circuit. These barriers absorb impact energy and reduce forces on drivers during crashes. The speedway installed lighting in 2010 and 2011, enabling night racing and enhancing the spectator experience.

Racing Portfolio

Kansas Speedway currently focuses predominantly on NASCAR events. The track hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events annually: the AdventHealth 400 in spring and the Hollywood Casino 400 in fall. The speedway also welcomes the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, along with rounds of the ARCA Menards Series. The progressive banking contributes to competitive racing, particularly in closing laps. IndyCar competed at Kansas from 2001 to 2010, using a slightly longer 1.52-mile configuration. The IMSA SportsCar Championship utilized the road course from 2013 to 2014 for the Grand Prix of Kansas.

Facility Features and Recent Milestones

The speedway occupies a strategic location at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 435, providing easy access for fans. The Hollywood Casino overlooks Turn 2, offering entertainment adjacent to the racing action. The facility seats 48,000 spectators as of 2019 and features over 60 luxury suites. Parking accommodates more than 35,000 vehicles. Kansas Speedway made NASCAR history in 2024 when Kyle Larson defeated Chris Buescher by 0.001 seconds—the closest finish ever recorded in NASCAR competition. This photo finish demonstrates 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, establishing itself as a vital sports and entertainment venue in the Midwest.