Home/NASCAR
feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend, marking the 39th time the series has raced on this 1.5-mile oval since it opened in 2001. Kansas, once dismissed as just another intermediate track, has become one of the most exciting stops on the schedule since the arrival of the Next Gen car. The spring race returns with added buzz, thanks to last year’s photo finish. Kyle Larson beat Chris Buescher by just 0.001 seconds, the closest finish in Cup Series history.

This race isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a chance to gather data for the playoff return in September. Meanwhile, Team Penske comes in hot. They’ve won back-to-back races heading into Kansas, Austin Cindric at Talladega and Joey Logano at Texas. That kind of momentum can’t be ignored. Logano knows how to win here, and Penske’s cars have found serious speed on 1.5-mile tracks. The field is tight, and competition is fierce. But right now, the energy is with Penske.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Schedule and Where to Watch the Kansas Spring Race

Fans are in for a packed weekend at Kansas Speedway. The action begins Friday with ARCA events, but the focus shifts Saturday when both the Truck and Cup Series take the track. Truck Series practice starts at 2:05 p.m. ET on FS2, followed by qualifying at 3:10 p.m. Cup Series drivers hit the track for practice at 4:30 p.m. on Prime Video, followed by qualifying at 5:30 p.m. The Truck Series Heart of Health Care 200 starts at 7:30 p.m. on FS1 and NRN radio.

Sunday is the main event. The NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 begins at 3:00 p.m. ET, broadcast live on FS1 and MRN radio. The field is set for 267 laps, broken into three stages: 80, 85, and 102 laps. Notably, Kansas isn’t just another mile-and-a-half. It delivers speed, drama, and playoff stakes.

Weather Forecast for Kansas Spring Race Weekend!

The weather looks favorable for the race weekend. Saturday’s forecast for the Truck race shows a high of 76°F with only a 4% chance of rain during race time. Winds stay light around 6 mph. Sunday brings even better conditions for the Cup race. Highs hit 79°F, and there’s just a 4% rain chance in the afternoon. Even though rain isn’t expected, fans understand how weather can turn against the race. We saw something similar at the Daytona 500.

What’s your perspective on:

Can Team Penske's hot streak continue at Kansas, or will another team steal the spotlight?

Have an interesting take?

Ticket and Weather Policy

Tickets for Kansas Speedway cover a range of budgets. Prices range from \$11 to \$416. Multi-day passes are already sold out. All tickets are digital. Fans can show them on their phone or print them at home using the Tickets @ Home system. NASCAR will not mail any physical tickets. Parking is free in general lots, though season ticket holders get access to prime spots. The Weather Protection Program covers any postponed races due to rain.

If a race moves to another date, fans can swap unused tickets for a future event of equal or lesser value. Fans can reach the Kansas Speedway office directly at 866-460-7223 for any exchanges.

Entry List: Notable Changes

The Cup Series entry list has only 38 drivers for a 40-car field, meaning no one goes home early—all will qualify. Two open teams have entered: Jesse Love in the No. 33 car and Corey Heim in the No. 67. Heim, who also races in the Truck Series, is pulling double duty this weekend. In the Truck Series, three notable names to watch are Brandon Jones in the No. 1, William Byron in the No. 07, and Carson Hocevar in the No. 7. Byron’s presence adds extra intrigue as he balances both series duties.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tailgating, Camping, and Entertainment

Camping at Kansas Speedway? Too late—it’s completely sold out. That’s not a surprise. Kansas has become a fan-favorite destination, thanks to its solid mix of racing and off-track activities. Parking lots open early—9 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday. General admission is first-come, first-served. Season ticket holders have premium options, but anyone can join the fun.

The Highline District brings added energy to the weekend. It includes live music, yard games, unique concessions, and even pickleball courts. Fans can visit the Cabo Wabo Tequila FanWalk on non-Cup race days for just $15. On Sunday morning, live music from the Down and Dirty Trio sets the tone before engines fire. After the Truck race Saturday night, fans can stick around for the Back Road Concert Series featuring Midnight Rodeo.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kansas Speedway also offers a flexible but secure gate policy. Coolers, food, and drinks are allowed, including alcohol, but no glass containers. Soft-sided coolers and backpacks are permitted. Just leave the drones, fireworks, and wagons at home. Every seat has a back, and every fan, regardless of age, needs a valid ticket.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Can Team Penske's hot streak continue at Kansas, or will another team steal the spotlight?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT