NASCAR Cup - Kansas

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Kansas Speedway in 2026 for another season of competitive racing on this 1.5-mile oval. Kansas hosts NASCAR Cup Series action at this intermediate track located in Kansas City, Kansas. The spring race at Kansas Speedway features 267 laps covering 400 miles on one of the sport's most popular tracks. This venue has delivered close finishes and multi-groove racing since opening its doors to NASCAR competition.

Kansas Speedway Circuit Details

Kansas Speedway measures 1.5 miles (2.414 kilometers) around its tri-oval configuration. The track features progressive banking in the turns that ranges from 17 to 20 degrees. This banking variation allows drivers to race on multiple lines throughout the corners. The frontstretch carries 10 degrees of banking while the backstretch has 5 degrees. The asphalt surface provides good grip levels for the NASCAR Cup Series cars.

The speedway can accommodate 48,000 fans in its grandstands. Lighting systems installed at the facility allow for races to run under the lights. An infield road course sits within the oval layout. The Hollywood Casino overlooks Turn 2 and adds to the entertainment options at the venue.

NASCAR Cup Series Participants in 2026

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series field includes teams from Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, Stewart-Haas Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and Richard Childress Racing. Additional entries come from 23XI Racing, RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports, Kaulig Racing, Spire Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, Rick Ware Racing, and Wood Brothers Racing. Three manufacturers supply cars for the series: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Top drivers from across the sport compete at Kansas Speedway during each NASCAR Cup Series visit.

Next Gen Car Technical Specifications

The NASCAR Cup Series uses the Next Gen car platform for competition at Kansas Speedway. These cars feature a steel tube frame with safety roll cage construction. The engine is a 5.86-liter naturally-aspirated V8 that produces approximately 670 horsepower at intermediate tracks. A 5-speed sequential manual transmission handles gear changes.

The Next Gen car includes independent rear suspension, which differs from previous NASCAR designs. Teams mount 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with a single center-locking lug nut. The aerodynamic package includes a stepped front splitter, hood vents, and a rear diffuser for downforce. Composite body panels offer durability and lower repair costs compared to older specifications.

Kansas Speedway NASCAR History

Kansas Speedway joined the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2001. Jeff Gordon won the first race at the track and added another victory the following year. The facility expanded to two annual NASCAR Cup Series dates starting in 2011. Denny Hamlin leads all drivers with four wins at Kansas Speedway. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, and Joey Logano each have three victories at this track.

The track has produced some of the closest finishes in NASCAR Cup Series competition. Kansas Speedway continues to serve as a key stop during the NASCAR season.

Track Features and Facts

The progressive banking at Kansas Speedway creates multiple racing grooves. Drivers can run high, middle, or low lines through the corners depending on their car setup and traffic situations. This design promotes side-by-side racing action throughout events.

The infield area at Kansas Speedway is large enough to contain both Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, home venues for Kansas City's professional football and baseball teams. Very few Kansas natives have won NASCAR Cup Series races despite the state hosting major events. Jim Roper won a race in 1949, and Clint Bowyer remains the only other Kansas-born driver to win a full-length points race in the series.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway promises competitive action on this well-established intermediate oval. The track layout and Next Gen car combination creates opportunities for passing and strategy variations throughout the race distance.