NASCAR Cup - Kansas

The AdventHealth 400 brings NASCAR Cup Series racing to Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. This race covers 267 laps across the 1.5-mile tri-oval, totaling 400.5 miles of competition. Kansas Speedway stands out as one of the most competitive intermediate tracks in the series, known for close racing and unpredictable outcomes.

Kansas Speedway Track Details

Kansas Speedway features a 1.5-mile tri-oval configuration with variable banking in the turns ranging from 17 to 20 degrees. The front stretch offers 9 to 11 degrees of banking, while the backstretch has 5 degrees. The asphalt surface provides multiple racing lines for drivers to use. The track also includes a 2.37-mile infield road course for other racing events.

The facility opened in 2001 and hosted its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race on September 30 of that year. Lights were installed in 2011, expanding the venue's capabilities for evening competition. A complete repaving occurred after the 2012 season, refreshing the racing surface.

Race Format and Structure

The AdventHealth 400 follows the standard NASCAR Cup Series stage format. Stage 1 concludes at lap 80, Stage 2 ends at lap 165, and the final stage runs through lap 267. This structure creates multiple points of strategic decision-making throughout the race. USA network will broadcast the event, with MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 providing radio coverage.

NASCAR Cup Series Competitors

The race features the full NASCAR Cup Series field of competitors. Major teams include Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Team Penske, and Joe Gibbs Racing. These organizations bring their top drivers and equipment to compete at Kansas Speedway. The track has proven to be a place where different teams and drivers can find success, adding to the competitive nature of the race.

Technical Specifications

NASCAR Cup Series cars at Kansas Speedway use specific technical packages. Safety features include A-post flaps on all cars to prevent vehicles from lifting during spins. These flaps must have bright orange surfaces underneath. Chevrolet will debut a new body style for the ZL1, based on the Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit.

Vehicle Performance

The cars compete with precise aerodynamic setups suited to the 1.5-mile track configuration. Multiple grooves develop on the racing surface, allowing drivers to pass in different areas of the track. The variable banking creates unique handling characteristics that teams must adapt to throughout the race weekend.

Kansas Speedway Racing History

Kansas Speedway has hosted two NASCAR weekends annually, with the spring race known as the AdventHealth 400 and a fall playoff race called the Hollywood Casino 400. The track has been part of the NASCAR playoffs since 2004, establishing itself as an important venue in the championship battle.

Denny Hamlin holds the record for most Cup Series victories at Kansas Speedway with four wins. The track has produced memorable finishes and close competition throughout its history. The facility sits adjacent to Hollywood Casino and offers seating for approximately 82,000 spectators.

What Makes This Race Notable

Kansas Speedway represents the classic 1.5-mile intermediate track that forms a significant portion of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. However, the specific characteristics of this track create racing that differs from other similar venues. The variable banking and multiple grooves allow for side-by-side racing and passing opportunities.

The spring race at Kansas Speedway serves as an important points-earning opportunity early in the season. Teams use this event to test their setups and strategies for other intermediate tracks. The consistent competition level means any team can contend for victory with the right combination of speed and strategy.

Kansas City hosts this NASCAR Cup Series event, bringing national-level stock car racing to the region. The track's location makes it accessible to fans from across the Midwest. Kansas Speedway continues to deliver competitive racing that challenges both drivers and teams to perform at their highest level.