Winners and losers from the NASCAR weekend at Kansas
Kansas Speedway tends to be one of the more exciting races on the NASCAR schedule, but Kyle Larson did his best to prove otherwise on Sunday, dominating the race from start to finish. It was a very different ending to the Truck race on Saturday, which saw two drivers sliding sideways and hitting the wall […]
Kansas Speedway tends to be one of the more exciting races on the NASCAR schedule, but Kyle Larson did his best to prove otherwise on Sunday, dominating the race from start to finish. It was a very different ending to the Truck race on Saturday, which saw two drivers sliding sideways and hitting the wall in a thrilling battle for the win. But like most weekends in racing, there was one driver very happy and a lot of drivers somewhere between annoyed and irate.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from NASCAR in Kansas:
WINNER: Larson for simply being unstoppable…and getting his pedal car
Watch: Larson on Kansas victory: ‘Glad to not win by an inch this time’
Larson had a perfect weekend at Kansas. He earned pole position, won both Stage 1 and Stage 2, secured the fastest lap bonus point, and captured the race win while leading 221 of 267 laps. This showing also vaulted him to the very top of the championship standings. It was the definition of dominance, coming just before he embarks on the rare Indy 500/Coke 600 ‘Double’ over the next two weeks. He also really wanted that pedal car given to Kansas pole winners, and was perhaps more excited about that than when he won the race on Sunday!
LOSER: Brad Keselowski because he can’t catch a break
It’s been a nightmarish season for the RFK Racing driver/co-owner. Through 12 races, Keselowski has zero top tens, five DNFs, and sits buried 32nd in the championship standings. But at Kansas, there was a glimmer of hope as he drove from the very back of the field to challenge for the race lead at the start of the final stage. But while running second, the right-rear tire blew out and he slammed the wall, ending his day. It was just the latest chapter in a dismal season — the worst start we’ve ever seen out of the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
WINNER: Josh Berry, carrying that #21 to new heights
Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
Photo by: Jamie Squire / Getty Images
It’s beginning to look possible that the Wood Brothers Racing group — NASCAR’s oldest team — could win multiple races this season. To put that in perspective haven’t done that in 44 years. Berry crashed while leading at Texas last weekend, but showed up to Kansas with another hot rod. He easily had top-five pace, but a speeding penalty proved costly with just under 100 laps to go. Even still, Berry clawed his way back through the field, finishing sixth in the end. The No. 21 was last in points just one year ago, so this is a huge step forward with Berry behind the wheel.
LOSER: Denny Hamlin after back-to-back DNFs
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
For the first time in nearly 12 years, Hamlin has recorded back-to-back DNFs. And what makes it frustrating for the veteran driver is that both were outside of his control. Two mechanical issues, defined by a dramatic oil fire at Texas and a misbehaving clutch that broke the transaxle during the final round of pit stops at Kansas. He seemed to be at a loss for words after the latest issue, and who can blame him?
WINNER: Corey Heim leads the way for 23XI
Corey Heim, Toyota, William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
23XI Racing entered four cars into the Cup race at Kansas, placing Truck Series regular Corey Heim in the extra ‘open’ entry. Despite it being just his fourth-ever Cup race, Heim piloted that bright yellow No. 67 very well throughout the day. There was a restart where he pushed up in a four-wide situation, triggering a multi-car wreck. But despite that mistake, he was smooth for most of the day and ended up being the highest-running driver in the entire 23XI fleet. He finished 13th, with Tyler Reddick in 17th being his closest teammate.
LOSER: Chase Elliott’s pit crew and their costly error
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Elliott started the final stage in control of the race and set sail, but his time out front didn’t last. During the final pit stop of the race, the jack dropped before the right-rear tire was secured. The slow stop dropped him from the lead, free-falling outside of the top 15. He never recovered, finishing 15th at the end of the day as his winless streak now extends beyond a year.
WINNER: Hocevar/Riggs for not wrecking in the fight for the Truck win
Watch: Hocevar: ‘Just thought I’d make it entertaining’ in wild Kansas finish
In a moment somewhat reminiscent of the famous Ron Hornaday/Johnny Sauter battle from 2010, Carson Hocevar and Layne Riggs got into each other while battling for the Truck Series win at Kansas. It wasn’t as dramatic of a slide as the Hornaday and Sauter deal, but both Trucks started spinning before being caught by the outside wall. They continued on like nothing happened for the remainder of the white flag lap, finishing 1-2 (until Riggs was later disqualified for failing post-race inspection). Hocevar also showed Riggs that he was ‘number one’ as they raced across the finish line.
LOSER: Allmendinger’s blown engine compromises his points position
AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
AJ Allmendinger has been doing an impressive job of collecting points for his No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet this year. He has been consistent and remains within striking distance of the cut-off line for the playoffs. But all of his hard work went up in a plume of white smoke at Kansas, just six laps into the race. The blown engine left him with a single point and he was livid on the radio. Allmendinger can be heard calling out the ECR engines under the hood, and even after unplugging the radio, expletives flew from inside the race car. This also comes one week after an early wreck at Texas, which also left him with a single point. He was averaging about 22 points per week before these latest issues. It’s also his second engine failure of the year, also losing a motor in the Daytona 500.
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NASCAR Cup Series team not returning after season-best finish
After sitting out for over a month following their failure to qualify for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Garage 66 (MBM Motorsports) have competed on a fairly regular basis as of late. The team have competed in five of the eight most recent points races, including the last […]
After sitting out for over a month following their failure to qualify for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Garage 66 (MBM Motorsports) have competed on a fairly regular basis as of late.
The team have competed in five of the eight most recent points races, including the last two in a row and three of the last four.
After Josh Bilicki technically scored the team’s best result of the season, ironically a 33rd place DNF, in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway two weekends ago, Chad Finchum matched their actual best finish with a 35th place effort in Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.
In fact, the team had not actually finished a race since Casey Mears placed 35th in their first official start of the year at Martinsville Speedway back in late March.
But the team will not be returning at Michigan International Speedway.
No open cars competing at Michigan
The entry list for Sunday afternoon’s 200-lap FireKeepers Casino 400 around the four-turn, 2.0-mile (3.219-kilometer) Brooklyn, Michigan oval features only the 36 chartered entries.
There were two other non-chartered (open) cars that raced at Nashville. NY Racing Team ran the No. 44 Chevrolet for J.J. Yeley, and 23XI Racing ran the No. 67 Toyota for Corey Heim. Both are set to return later this year, but not this weekend.
This weekend marks just the second race of the season to feature no open entries, and with all 36 chartered cars driven by full-time drivers, it marks just the second race in the entire history of the Cup Series not to feature a single part-time driver.
Garage 66 do plan to return later in the year. As of now, they are planning to compete in two more races before the 2025 season concludes, though that schedule is extremely likely to expand. Bilicki is currently set to compete in the race at the Chicago Street Course on Sunday, July 6 and the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27.
Tune in to Amazon Prime Video at 2:00 p.m. ET this Sunday, June 8 for the live broadcast of the FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan International Speedway.
Inside NASCAR star’s incredible $4.5 million North Carolina mansion up for sale
Kyle Busch has listed his incredible North Carolina ‘barndominium’ property for sale. The NASCAR legend has been living in Denver full time with his family 10:34 ET, 05 Jun 2025Updated 11:00 ET, 06 Jun 2025 Kyle Busch is selling his ‘barndominium’ for $4.5m(Image: Facebook) NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch has put his North Carolina ‘barndominium’ house […]
Kyle Busch has listed his incredible North Carolina ‘barndominium’ property for sale. The NASCAR legend has been living in Denver full time with his family
10:34 ET, 05 Jun 2025Updated 11:00 ET, 06 Jun 2025
Kyle Busch is selling his ‘barndominium’ for $4.5m(Image: Facebook)
NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch has put his North Carolina ‘barndominium’ house on the market for a cool $4.5 million, confessing that he just can’t spend as much time there as he would like.
The former two-time Cup Series champion is having a tough time at the moment. He admitted feeling “like a broken record” after the Coca-Cola 600 before being brutally insulted by Shane van Gisbergen over the radio at Nashville as Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented honestly on his “attitude” driving the No.8 car.
Busch, who previously resided in North Carolina, sold a waterfront mansion for a hefty $13 million two years ago and relocated to Denver with his family. Despite the move, the racing icon aimed to maintain ties to North Carolina, the heartland of NASCAR, by snapping up this distinctive property after offloading his luxurious mansion.
READ MORE: Dale Earnhardt Jr weighs in after leaked NASCAR plans prompted U-turnREAD MORE: Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin identify future NASCAR Cup Series winner
The property, which was originally bought from Brian Deegan, underwent a transformation under Busch’s ownership, turning an eight-bathroom, four-bedroom barn into a lavish residence. Now, it appears Busch is bidding farewell to the barndominium, listing it for sale as he seems set to settle back in Colorado permanently.
This unique estate boasts jaw-dropping features, from private fuel storage and subterranean garages to an exquisite saltwater pool, a personal bar, and even an indoor basketball court. Busch took to social media to explain his decision to sell.
His post read: “We love this piece of land and the amazing barndominium but right now we just don’t have enough time to spend there. We can’t wait for someone to love it as much as we have! 14,983 Sq Ft Barndominium, 35 Acres. More info on Zillow, or at the link on my Story. Contact Josh Tucker at joshtucker@hmproperties.com with serious inquiries.”
Located conveniently close to Lake Norman and just about an hour’s drive from Charlotte, North Carolina, this property is not one to be overlooked.
Busch made his first real estate purchase in North Carolina, snagging a property for $7 million before flipping it for a cool $13 million. He also listed the barndominium for sale at $4.5 million.
Throughout his remarkable career, Busch has reportedly raked in around $400 million, thanks to his two-time Cup Series wins. Despite his success, he has yet to clinch a victory in the Daytona 500, despite 20 attempts.
Corey Heim to make surprise ARCA start, filling in for Jake Finch
On Friday, Venturini Motorsports revealed that Jake Finch won’t be competing in the ARCA race at Michigan as previously scheduled. Finch is not filling well and will not be able to pilot the No. 25 Toyota in Friday night’s ARCA race. As a result, the historic ARCA team has asked fellow Toyota driver Corey Heim […]
On Friday, Venturini Motorsports revealed that Jake Finch won’t be competing in the ARCA race at Michigan as previously scheduled. Finch is not filling well and will not be able to pilot the No. 25 Toyota in Friday night’s ARCA race.
As a result, the historic ARCA team has asked fellow Toyota driver Corey Heim to fill in for him. Finch is running part-time this year and was set to make his third ARCA start of the year today.
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Heim currently drives the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota in the Truck Series where he leads the championship standings, winning four of the first 12 races of the year. Heim is also a developmental driver for 23XI Racing.
While he does have experience in ARCA, Heim hasn’t raced in that division since the 2022 season. Heim’s ARCA resume is just as impressive as his Truck statistics, winning nine races in just 43 starts. He was also the 2021 ARCA championship runner-up, losing to Ty Gibbs.
Venturini has been operating in ARCA since 1982 and currently fields a multi-car effort, but in April of this year, they announced plans to sell the entire organization to Nitro Motorsports later this year.
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Corey LaJoie compares return to Spire, Truck Series to wife getting ‘new boyfriend’
Last season, Corey LaJoie was let go by Spire Motorsports on the Cup Series side; now he’s back with the Truck Series team. LaJoie will race nine NASCAR Truck Series races in the No. 07 Chevy Silverado. He had quite the analogy about his return to his old stomping grounds. Corey LaJoie is out of […]
Last season, Corey LaJoie was let go by Spire Motorsports on the Cup Series side; now he’s back with the Truck Series team. LaJoie will race nine NASCAR Truck Series races in the No. 07 Chevy Silverado. He had quite the analogy about his return to his old stomping grounds.
Corey LaJoie is out of full-time racing in NASCAR. He’s doing his best to put together a mealpiece Cup Series schedule and also a healthy number of Truck Series races. Still, coming back to Spire Motorsports like this is a bit strange. Humbling, some might say.
While speaking to the media at Michigan International Speedway, LaJoie made a wild analogy. Try to keep up here.
“So yeah. It’s been, you know, a lot of emotions going back in there [at Spire],” LaJoie said. “Can I give you my analogy? … Here’s my analogy. It’s like when you work building a house for five years, and then your wife becomes a TikTok star and says she’s not happy anymore, she kicks you out. Then she calls you back a year later, and you have to go live in the guest room, and she’s there with a new boyfriend. That’s how this thing goes.”
Now, I don’t know anything about that, but I get the gist of what LaJoie is saying. There’s a little bit of hurt pride there, but a desire to prove yourself. Spire is his wife, and drivers like Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar are the new boyfriends. The Truck Series, well, I guess that’s the guest bedroom.
Corey LaJoie gets serious after hilarious comparison
Corey LaJoie had a bit of fun giving his wild analogy. However, he got serious right after and talked about the competitive side of things. Which is what he’s missed all along while being on the sidelines for so many weeks this season.
“But I’ve missed the, just like, the trenches of trying to work together for a common goal,” LaJoie continued. “Because it’s the only thing, racing’s the only thing in life that you can be measured by your effort, good, bad, or indifferent. So, I’ve missed like, the working collectively trying to get a truck faster, car faster, yourself faster, figuring out what your weaknesses are and making them better.”
This is going to be the best equipment that Corey LaJoie has had on race day compared to his competitors. We have seen Kyle Larson get a win this year in the truck. However, Michael McDowell, Justin Haley, William Byron, and Kyle Busch have all come up short. William Byron and Larson are the only drivers to get top-five finishes in the No. 07 truck.
If LaJoie can put himself in the right position, a win is not out of the question. However, nothing is guaranteed. The Truck Series is full of great talent right now, and winning is a difficult task for any driver. Just ask those Cup guys who were behind the wheel before LaJoie.
NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway Preview
It is time to go racing in the Irish Hills of Michigan, at Michigan International Speedway and the Firekeeper’s Casino 400. Here is everything you need to know before cars hit the track in Michigan. Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace race during the NASCAR Cup Series Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August […]
It is time to go racing in the Irish Hills of Michigan, at Michigan International Speedway and the Firekeeper’s Casino 400. Here is everything you need to know before cars hit the track in Michigan.
Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace race during the NASCAR Cup Series Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2024. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway Preview
Last August, it was Tyler Reddick winning his second of three victories on a Monday. The Sunday race was delayed due to rain and pushed to the next day. Will the rain return? Or will it be all sunshine for Sunday’s race? Can Tyler Reddick get win number one in 2025? Or can Ford or Chevy win in their backyard?
Race Preview:
The Firekeepers Casino 400 is the fifteenth race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. It is a 400-mile, 200-lap race around the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway. Stage cautions will be thrown on laps 45 and 120, with the checkered flag on lap 200. There is $11,055,250 in prize money available for those in the race. Teams will have 7 sets of Goodyear tires for practice and qualifying. The Goodyear tires are the same at Daytona and Talladega earlier in the season.
The Track: Michigan International Raceway
Built and opened in 1968, Michigan International Speedway is located in Brooklyn, Michigan, the heartland for Chevrolet and Ford. 2 miles in length, it is known for its record-setting speeds, with speeds being reported as high as 220 mph on the straightaway. With 18 degrees of banking in the turns, 12 on the front stretch, and 5 on the back, it is the perfect setting for high top speeds.
Michigan 2018: 220 mph entering turn one. Speeds so fast, they literally blew small children off their feet pic.twitter.com/spPteTPlwe
The Cup Series has raced here 107 previous times. Cale Yarborough won the first race in 1969. David Pearson has the most wins at the track, with 9 wins. Kyle Larson and Joey Logano are tied for wins amongst active drivers, both with three. Kevin Harvick set the lap record in 2018, turning a 36.093-second lap around the track.
Cup Series Point Standings:
Here are the standings following the race at Nashville:
1. William Byron: 547 2. Kyle Larson: 499 3. Christopher Bell: 459 4. Denny Hamlin: 443 5. Chase Elliott: 442 6. Tyler Reddick: 429 7. Ryan Blaney: 417 8. Joey Logano: 380 9. Ross Chastain: 377 10. Bubba Wallace: 343
Read More: Penske Power Shows Out as Ryan Blaney Wins in Music City
Drivers To Watch:
Brad Keselowski, a native Michigander, has steadily improved his finishing positions at Michigan in the Next-Gen era. Fourth and fifth in the previous two races at Michigan. Ford has won 2 of the 3 Next-Gen races at the track. I think it would only be fitting for Keselowski to get that elusive win at Michigan and win for the blue ovals.
For the Toyotas, you have to look at the 23XI crew and their boss, Denny Hamlin. Wallace ran second to Harvick in 2022 with Hamlin running in third. Hamlin ran third to Truex and Buescher in 2023, and Reddick won the race last year. Look out for the Nos. 45, 23, and 11 Camrys on Sunday.
Chevrolet has been the weakest manufacturer in the Next Gen era. No wins and only three top-five finishes. While Kyle Larson is the flagship of the Chevy program at the moment, I think eyes should be on one of the younger drivers in the camp. Carson Hocevar has had a string of good runs and a second-place finish at Nashville. If he can avoid being junked into the wall by Ricky Stenhouse, I think Carson can win his first race at his home track.
Read More: Carson Hocevar Faces Heavy Criticism After Wrecking Stenhouse At Nashville
How To Watch The Cup Series at Michigan:
Here is the schedule for the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan:
Saturday, June 7th:
Sunday, June 8th:
The Firekeepers Casino 400
Stay connected to Last Word on Motorsports for all the exciting action from Michigan International Speedway
TVS Motor Company Begins A New Era In Indian Motorsport As Official Supplier Of Race-Tuned Machines For INMRC 2025
Bengaluru, June 6, 2025: In a landmark moment for Indian motorsports, TVS Motor Company has become the official race machine provider for the National Championship Pro Stock 200 class at the 2025 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), which is scheduled from 6-8th June at MIC, Chennai. This marks the first time in the history […]
Bengaluru, June 6, 2025: In a landmark moment for Indian motorsports, TVS Motor Company has become the official race machine provider for the National Championship Pro Stock 200 class at the 2025 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), which is scheduled from 6-8th June at MIC, Chennai. This marks the first time in the history of Indian motorsports that a brand has been entrusted to design, develop, and supply race-tuned motorcycles specifically for the National Championship, reaffirming TVS Motor’s leadership and commitment to racing excellence. This breakthrough paves the way to democratize two-wheeler racing, making it easier and more affordable for independent racers to participate, reflecting FMSCI and MMSC’s vision of expanding competitive motorsport.
The National Championship Pro Stock 200 at INMRC 2025 is a new and exciting format introduced by the MIC to elevate competition and support independent racing teams. As part of this development, TVSM will provide race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R motorcycles to independent teams, who will engage their racers to compete in this championship class. Additionally, PETRONAS TVS Racing team will provide complete technical support and machine service and maintenance to ensure peak performance throughout the season. With 20 years of TVS Apache’s racing heritage behind it, this milestone marks a powerful step forward in Indian motorsports. The selection process for participating teams and racers was recently concluded at the Madras International Circuit on May 28, 2025. Seven teams and twelve racers have been selected for this dynamic new class.
Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company said, “At TVS Motor Company, our racing DNA drives us to innovate and lead from the front. We are proud to be the first two-wheeler manufacturer in Indian motorsport history to supply race-tuned machines for the National Championship. This landmark development, supported by the vision of the Madras International Circuit makes it easier and more affordable for independent teams to participate and compete at the highest level. This year holds even greater significance as we mark two decades of our flagship performance brand, the TVS Apache – a true embodiment of our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again.”
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RACE-TUNED TVS APACHE GP200R
The race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R is engineered for performance and agility, delivering significantly enhanced output and handling. It features:
Cubic Capacity: 200 cc
Bike Weight: 105 kg
Maximum Power: 40% increase over stock engine
Top Speed: 155+ kph
Key highlights of the race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R include:
Modified cylinder head for higher volumetric efficiency, high lift camshaft, high compression ratio, advanced ECU with closed-loop control, quickshifter and data logging capabilities, fine-tuned induction and exhaust system.
Adjustable front and rear suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, lighter racing wheels, aluminum subframe, and higher braking power.
PETRONAS TVS RACING TEAM FOR INMRC 2025 PRO STOCK 300-400CC CLASS
With legendary 11-time national champion Jagan Kumar retired from competitive racing, he will continue to serve as a rider coach for the PETRONAS TVS Racing team. Joining the team this year are two young and skilled racers, Rakshith Dave and Alwin Sundar. They will be joined by ARRC ace rider Sarthak Chavan, along with top performer, Chirant V and the first ever Indian rider to participate as a wildcard entry in world Moto3, KY Ahamed. The team is focused on achieving peak performance and continuing TVS Racing’s legacy of excellence in this competitive class.
BIKE MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 300-400CC CLASS
For the 2025 season, the Pro Stock 300-400cc race bikes will benefit from several enhancements, including engine refinement based on the 2024 season learnings, planned new aerodynamic bodywork from mid-season, and modifications to the rear suspension to enhance handling and performance.
OVER FOUR DECADES OF RACING DNA
For over 43 years, TVS Racing has been at the forefront of Indian motorsports, continuously pushing the boundaries of racing excellence. This commitment to innovation and performance extends beyond the racetrack into TVS Motor Company’s flagship motorcycle brand—TVS Apache, which celebrates 20 years of engineering excellence this year. The TVS Apache series embodies TVS Racing’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, integrating race-derived technology into high-performance motorcycles. Spanning 160cc, 180cc, 200cc, and 310cc models, the lineup features segment-first innovations, from ride-by-wire technology to race-tuned fuel injection.
With over 400,000 riders in the Apache Owners Group (AOG), TVS Apache has built a passionate global community, bringing the thrill of racing to streets and track enthusiasts alike. As it enters its next chapter, TVS Apache remains dedicated to offering cutting-edge performance, redefining what it means to ride with power and precision.