NASCAR Preview: Kansas Spring Race Weekend
- DIVEBOMB Motorsport
- May 9
- 4 min read
Written by Gabriel Tsui & Bailey Defoor
Returning to the site of the closest Cup Series finish ever, they and the Truck Series travel to Kansas Motor Speedway for the first race weekend of the year here.
Kansas Speedway opened in 2001 and has hosted NASCAR competition since then. Since achieving two dates in 2011, the track has become a fan favourite for many – especially with how the NextGen car handles on this track plus multiple line options.
Below are the start times for each race plus lap count:
Trucks: Saturday, 10 May, 18:30 local (00:30 UK) – 134 laps
Cup: Sunday, 11 May, 14:00 local (20:00 UK) – 267 laps
Below are the defending winners for each race:
Trucks: No. 11 - Corey Heim (TRICON Garage)
Cup: No. 5 - Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports)
Cup Series: AdventHealth 400 Preview
Written by Gabriel Tsui
As we exit the southside of the country, NASCAR returns to Kansas to complete the first half of the season, before heading to North Wilkesboro for the All Star weekend. With a win for Penske’s Joey Logano, there are nine remaining playoff spots up for grabs. Will we see an eighth driver locked into the playoffs in Kansas, or someone strengthen their position in the championship standings?
The drivers will be rolling around the one-and-a-half mile track for 267 laps, with 80 laps in the first stage, 85 laps in the second stage, and 102 laps to close off the first half of the regular season, totalling a distance of 400.5 miles (645 kilometres) run around the track.
The weather report indicates the skies will be clear with a bright sun throughout the race weekend, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The race will commence on Sunday, 11th of May, at 15:00 Eastern (12:00 Pacific, 20:00 British).
Race Predictions
Kansas in many ways, is similar to the Texas Motor Speedway, as both tracks are 1.5 mile D-ovals with around 20 degrees of banking on the turns. With the exception of a shorter back straight and a longer front stretch, Texas’ results could be a reference point in predicting the outcome of the race.
Despite a win for Logano, it was an evenly split outing between the Chevys and the Fords. Berry had an early lead but spun out on an unforced error that gave Kyle Larson the lead, and Larson had the wind behind his back for a while as he took a stage two win in the process.
However, later in the race, the Penske duo of Logano and Ryan Blaney found themselves in a position to challenge for the win, as the Fords found more grip and a better jump on restarts. That is why, the pick to win the race is Team Penske’s Blaney.
Ford has found a way to be more competitive in the intermediate tracks, scrapping for top fives and challenging for leads more often than not. This was a huge improvement from 2024, and with Blaney on the upswing in the past month, this will be the perfect time for Blaney to capitalize on his momentum, and punch his ticket to the playoffs.
Three things to look out for
Kyle Busch's misfortunes continues
Kyle Busch found himself on a scorching start with three top-tens in the first four race weekends, but since then he has only secured one top-ten finish, with a brutal outing in Talladega, qualifying second but finishing all the way back in 26th place, collecting only ten points for the weekend. He was involved in multiple crashes in Texas as well, and one can only hope he can turn the ship around in Kansas.
A statement start to the season for Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Ricky Stenhouse Jr supporter, hater or doubter, one must admit this has been a pleasantly surprising start to the season for the 37-year-old. Despite having the worst average starting position in his career, he has had an average finishing position of 17th place, best since his 2017 season in Roush Fenway.
In his two latest starts (Talladega and Texas), Stenhouse has secured 30+ points in both races despite starting near the back of the field, in 35th and 34th respectively. Knock on wood, but this could be a big year for Stenhouse.
Corey Heim to make Cup Series start
Current Trucks Series championship leader Corey Heim is set to make his first Cup Series start in the 2025 season with 23XI, designated with the No.67. In his last two visits to Kansas City with the Trucks, Heim has successfully dominated the race with the most laps led, and winning the race both times out.
In a track where Heim has found the top-five more often than not, don’t be surprised if Heim somehow sneaks his way into the top-ten this weekend.
Truck Series: Heart of Healthcare 200 Preview
Written by Bailey Defoor
This week, the Truck series heads to Kansas Speedway. It’s similar to Texas, and given how Texas played out, expect some intense wheel-to-wheel action. This is also the 30th running of the truck series at Kansas Speedway.
Last year at Kansas, Corey Heim took his first win at the track and dominated after taking the lead from Nick Sanchez in the last stage.
Race Predictions
Given his strong form recently, my choice to win at Kansas this weekend is Corey Heim. He is having a strong season so far, and he is knows how to win at this track, winning both races here last season and being runner up in the 2023 Spring race.
Two storylines to look out for
Tequila team-up
818 Tequila, founded by Kendall Jenner, is teaming up with driver Toni Breidinger for the 2025 season. Later this month, 818 will take over the Nashville Speedway race on May 30th. Breidinger will feature an 818-branded helmet and suit, and fans can attend an exclusive VIP experience and after-party where Breidinger will make an appearance, too.
Jayson Alexander returns
Jayson Alexander, who made his Truck series debut last season, will be competing in three races with Young’s Motorsports throughout the season, beginning at the North Wilkesboro Speedway next week.
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