Motorsports

NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas odds, predictions: Kyle Larson favored at our experts’ favorite track

Published

8 months ago

May 11, 2025

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas City for one of the — if not the — best current tracks for the Next Gen car and a really entertaining day of racing. Kyle Larson leads the odds, but Team Penske is looking speedy right now and 23XI Racing used to be the team to beat at this track.

So, what should we expect on Sunday? Our NASCAR experts, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, are here to break down what last week’s Texas race hints for Kansas, why Ross Chastain isn’t being talked about enough and who they’re picking as favorites and long shots at Kansas Speedway on Sunday.

Take it away, guys!

How to watch the AdventHealth 400

Track: Kansas Speedway — Kansas City, Kan.
Time: Sunday, May 11, 3 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Q&A, predictions

We missed last week, thanks to this editor *ahem* being at the Kentucky Derby. But we’re back! What was your top takeaway from the Texas race as it relates to how the field is doing heading into Kansas and then the All-Star race?

Jeff: In 2023, Tyler Reddick won at Kansas and continued 23XI Racing’s string of successful runs to the extent it became practically a given that the team would be one to beat at the 1.5-mile track. But last year, something weird happened: Neither Reddick nor teammate Bubba Wallace finished in the top 15 of either Kansas race, and Reddick even finished 25th in the playoff race there before eventually making the Championship 4.

So when I asked Reddick what to expect from him at Kansas before the Texas race, he said he’d put a lot of stock into how 23XI performed at the Fort Worth intermediate track.

“They’re not very similar, but a car that is going to run good here, have performance and have speed here, will have speed at Kansas,” Reddick said.

Reddick was then arguably the fastest car at Texas despite never getting control of the race (and ultimately spinning himself across Daniel Suarez’s nose while running in the top five). But what I took from Texas was that we might see 23XI about to emerge with some speed.

Jordan: The drivers we expected to be strong at Texas essentially were Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin and William Byron, who each stood out at various points. And with Texas and Kansas having some similar characteristics, it’s not a reach at all to think that everyone within this group will be in contention for the win this weekend. The noticeable difference between these two tracks, however, is that Texas is a much more treacherous oval with a penchant for producing a multitude of accidents, often because a driver loses control off Turn 2 or hits a nasty bump in Turn 4. Kansas is challenging, but not to this degree.

You asked before last week’s race if Texas Motor Speedway is turning a corner. Is it?

Jeff: I don’t know if it’s racing much differently, but people seem to be coming around to the fact that it’s a place that requires drivers to “race the racetrack” more than each other. In other words, it’s not like a Kansas or Homestead where they have the ability to run all over the place and just race it out. The drivers don’t seem to know what’s going on, either. As Reddick said, it looks like it’s aging when they walk the track, but then it doesn’t race any differently. Here’s William Byron: “I’ve had the opinion for a while now that the asphalt they’ve used here is just different than what we’ve had in the past. It’s really dusty. It just seems like the rubber kind of sits on top of the racetrack, and there’s just all this little dust and crumbs on top that I feel like are hard to work out of the track. It looks way grayer — looks like it should be 15 years old — but it still has a ton of grip. It’s just odd.”

Jordan: Recent Texas races are certainly more entertaining than before, though admittedly that’s a low bar. Still, Texas deserves praise for the improvements it’s made — including attendance increasing by double digits and growth in other key metrics. And while races at Texas may often be chaotic in nature, its reputation as being one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks is not necessarily a bad thing. The place has an improved identity now than before, and this is a positive thing.

Ross Chastain has some killer restart stats, as shared by Auto Racing Analytics after Texas. Is that partially because he’s coming from further back, or does he just have a unique skill set? NOOB question: What can drivers do to improve their restarts? Who would you have said is the best vs. what these stats show?

Jeff: As Auto Racing Analytics pointed out, it’s not even just the total positions gained for Chastain on restarts — it’s his retention rate (how often he’s able to do a restart without losing positions). The account has tracked Chastain with a 91.1 percent retention rate this year, and he has lost spots on only four restarts all season. By comparison, the next-best restarters are in the low 80 percent range. When I asked Chastain about this after the race at Texas, he said: “Yes, I see those stats and I wonder. Some of it is circumstance. Part of it is taking the very low percentage holes on restarts and trying to make it work off of Turn 2.” It’s likely more of the latter, according to Auto Racing Analytics, which noted Chastain has been in the top three for restart statistics in three of the four Next Gen seasons so far.

Jordan: The restart stats speak to how well Chastain is performing this year, where he routinely is taking a car lacking speed and still finding a way to score solid finishes. Nearly every week, he is maximizing everything he can out of his car, pushing it higher up the running order than he should be otherwise. It’s a very remarkable effort by Chastain that isn’t getting talked about enough, but it demonstrates how gifted a driver he is.

NASCAR at Texas beat F1 Miami in viewership! At the risk of angering our NASCAR fans, that surprised me! What changed, if anything? Did NASCAR do anything to ensure better promotion? Did F1 lose traction in the U.S.?

Jeff: It’s not only that NASCAR beat F1, but how it happened. NASCAR was airing on cable (FS1) while the F1 race was on network TV (ABC). Still, last year’s Miami race was an outlier when it comes to F1 ratings. It had a lead-in from an NBA Playoffs Game 7, and NASCAR was also in a three-hour rain delay at Kansas, so curious NASCAR fans flipped over to Miami. F1 then wasn’t able to replicate that rating for the rest of the season in the U.S., and NASCAR has continued to win the head-to-head battle domestically. Some caveats, though: F1 is obviously massively popular worldwide, and there’s no comparison to NASCAR internationally; it’s not even a conversation. And there was also an alarming number for NASCAR in the Miami rating: Adam Stern noted F1 won the 18-49 demographic by more than 300,000 viewers, and the viewership shows more than 80 percent of NASCAR’s audience was NOT in that younger demographic. So that continues to be a very old-skewing audience for NASCAR.

Jordan: You can decipher TV ratings in many different ways, especially with so many contributing factors. That said, NASCAR has to be absolutely pleased that it toppled F1 head-to-head and did so having its Texas race on cable rather than on a network. Definitely something to hang your hat on if you’re a NASCAR decision-maker. And from a larger perspective, it may indicate that F1’s once explosive growth in the United States has hit its ceiling.

OK: Kansas time! What should we know from insiders heading into Kansas that may affect the race on Sunday?

Jeff: Ah, my favorite current NASCAR track! Kansas in the Next Gen Era has turned into an incredible place to race, as evidenced by last spring’s all-time banger (that was topped by the closest finish in NASCAR history). That race sits No. 1 in my “Was it a good race?” poll with 95.8 percent of people saying yes, and that’s out of 349 races in the poll since 2016. This track is about as pure as it gets in terms of NASCAR racing these days. It’s all-out, hammer-down racing with multiple options where drivers can make their cars work on the track. We’re about to find out who is bringing the most speed this season and watch them get their way to the front for a terrific battle.

Jordan: Kansas is arguably one of the two or three best tracks currently on the schedule, and has a strong, strong case for being P1 on the list. This is one of those races you circle before the season as “can’t miss.” And the thing is, while expectations are exceedingly high for Sunday’s race, there is a likelihood that said expectations will be surpassed because Kansas is such a terrific track that has become a standard-bearer as the best of what NASCAR is.

Who is your favorite to win at Kansas?

Jeff: As mentioned earlier, this could be Reddick’s breakout race for the season and mark a return to victory lane — but if the 23XI cars are fast, that could also mean a big day for Bubba Wallace. Still, despite that speed, I’m going to go with a Team Penske car and pick Ryan Blaney. I’m really liking the speed I’m seeing across Penske right now, and Blaney has arguably been the fastest car — except he hasn’t won yet. That could get remedied this weekend while he also makes it three wins in a row for Penske (after Austin Cindric won at Talladega and Joey Logano won at Texas).

Jordan: The obvious pick is Kyle Larson, and for good reason. He and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team excel on these types of tracks and routinely factor in the outcome. In Larson’s past seven Kansas races, he has two wins, two seconds and two finishes inside the top eight. That’s why he’s the betting favorite.

Who is a long shot you like?

Jeff: OK, so this isn’t really a long shot, but how about Chris Buescher at +2200? Buescher was literally a couple of inches away from winning last year’s Kansas race and showed speed again at Texas last week. If that fast car translates to Kansas, he might be able to find victory lane this time around. But as long as we’re not going for big reaches on the long shots this week, Josh Berry at +2500 is a bit ridiculous. He just won the Las Vegas race earlier this season on a similar type of track and was leading at Texas last week, so there’s no reason he wouldn’t be able to have that Penske-caliber speed at Kansas as well.

Jordan: Josh Berry has had a lot of speed this season — not just on mile-and-a-half tracks but really most styles of tracks — and this should continue on Sunday. The area of concern, though, is that while Berry has been fast, he hasn’t been able to consistently convert that speed into corresponding finishes. But if you’re looking for a sleeper, Berry is easily the best, especially being listed at +2500, which is stupid high.

Odds for AdventHealth 400

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(Photo of Kyle Larson: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)

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Motorsports

‘Duels at Daytona’ receive patriotic new name ahead of US celebration – Motorsport – Sports

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR’s iconic Daytona 500’s Duels have received a one-off title for 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Speedway, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the sponsor of ‘The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona.’

Both Duels one and two are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, setting the starting grid for the Daytona 500, which will kickstart the NASCAR season in earnest that Sunday.

The decision for FDOT to become a sponsor of the event was made as part of an existing partnership between the organization and the Speedway, with the ultimate goal of promoting safe driving in the region.

In a statement, the Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said, “It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026.

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“This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as the chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission also released a statement, saying, “The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

“Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.

“Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”

Meanwhile, FDOT’s secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said he felt the Duel was “an ideal opportunity to honor Florida’s storied history” with the nation celebrating its founding.

The 2026 race will mark the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, one of the most renowned in American motorsports.

Reigning back-to-back winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who was also recently named to the Drivers’ Advisory Council board, will be looking to become just the fifth three-time 500 winner, joining Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison. He would also become the first driver in history to win it three times in a row.

Currently, the record for most wins all-time at the track is appropriately held by the winningest driver in Cup Series history, seven-time champion Richard “The King” Petty. The 88-year-old won the race on seven occasions between 1964 and 1981.

However, a win for Byron would extend Hendricks’ lead as the most successful team at the track, with 10 wins to date, one ahead of Petty Enterprises.

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Motorsports

Carson Hocevar makes announcement with $2.4B NASCAR backer – Motorsport – Sports

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup driver Carson Hocevar will again be backed in 2026 by Zeigler Automotive Group, a family-owned dealership network that generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Zeigler will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races, placing its branding on the No. 77 Chevrolet. Races will include events at tracks including Michigan, Pocono, Indianapolis, Bristol, Kansas, and Martinsville.

Zeigler has now tied itself to the driver previously penalized for his racing style across multiple seasons. The privately-backed company believes that the relationship synergy is much deeper than branding on the side of a car.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said the president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, Aaron Zeigler.

“Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

The 22-year-old driver posted multiple top-10 finishes last year and led laps at Bristol and Michigan. His best finishes were two seconds at Nashville during the Cracker Barrel 400 won by Ryan Blaney, and in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, which was the first of three consecutive wins for Christopher Bell.

“The whole Zeigler family has been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

Hocevar found himself in hot water with drivers over the course of last season and has angered the likes of established veterans Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blaney called Hocevar a “moron” for the way he raced in Atlanta.

Zane Smith expressed a desire to punch Hocevar after their collision, which was initiated by the No. 77 at Bristol, which saw Hocevar get loose and spin Smith into a barrier.

“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that,” said Smith. You want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”

The 2026 NASCAR regular season begins at Daytona on Feb. 15.

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Motorsports

Carson Hocevar Signs Contract Extension With $2.2 Billion Worth Sponsor

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Slowly but surely Carson Hocevar is establishing himself as one of the superstar racers of the sport, by punching above his weight in the Spire Motorsports Chevy. He had a strong 2025 season that saw him almost winning the Atlanta race, and being a challenger in multiple events. P2 finishes at Atlanta and Nashville has been him bets moments of the year.

Now he is rewarded for the strong season, as Zeigler Automotive Group one of his primary sponsors has signed a contract extension with him. They are set to sponsor him for 10 points paying races and the Clash. Carson Hocevar sees the support from ZAG as full circle moment, as he grew up a street away from the company’s HQ in Kalamazoo.

I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group. I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.

Carson Hocevar said (via TRE).

From day one of Carson Hocevar signing with Spire to drive the No:77 Chevy, the Zeigler family has had his back. He is more determined than ever to grow the partnership and wats to get the Zeigler Chevrolet to the victory lane. It would be really special to win his maiden Cup race for his biggest sponsor.

The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in victory lane this year.

Carson Hocevar added.

Zeigler Auto Group CEO explains why they extended Carson Hocevar deal

In the statement announcing the extension, Zeigler Auto Group CEO Aaron J. Zeigler has also shared his thoughts on the extension. He sees Hocevar as the future of NASCAR as well as the future of their business as a whole.

Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business.

Aaron J. Zeigler said

He pointed out that the Chevy driver is special because of the intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive he has. Zeigler expects these characteristics to earn him more success in NASCAR in the coming years and the company seems to banking on thar success.

Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.

Aaron J. Zeigler added.

The comments from the Zeigler Auto Group CEO seems rational and on point regarding Carson Hocevar. Many expects him to be future superstar the sport needs to grow and the only big question is whether he needs to move from Spire to achieve this success.

Also Read: Shane van Gisbergen Insist Austin Cindric’s Poor Supercars Debut Might “Scare Off” NASCAR Racers

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Motorsports

Zeigler Automotive renews sponsorship with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar

Published

5 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Zeigler Automotive Group announcing on Monday that it will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2026.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in 11 Cup Series races in 2026 beginning with the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The distinct yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will be featured aboard Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at the following races in 2026:

Bowman Gray Stadium – February 1

Michigan International Speedway – June 7

Pocono Raceway – June 14

Chicagoland Speedway – July 5

Atlanta Motor Speedway – July 12

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 26

Iowa Speedway – August 9

Richmond Raceway – August 15

Bristol Motor Speedway – September 19

Kansas Speedway – September 27

Martinsville Speedway – November 1

Hocevar, 22, is fresh off a 2025 campaign featuring two top-five and nine top-10 results, including a pair of career-best runner-up finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. The sophomore driver also secured his first-career pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle. The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie season in 2024, earning top rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. His 686 points accumulated out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage.

The 22-year-old made his Cup Series debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his first appearance in NASCAR’s premier division, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will kick off racing festivities for the 2026 season and will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

*article courtesy Spire Motorsports

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Motorsports

Tony Stewart named Chili Bowl grand marshall

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

It’s been a bit since Tony Stewart has attended the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, but the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and overall motorsports legend is synonymous with the Tulsa Expo Center and that will be celebrated next week.

‘Smoke’ has been named Grand Marshal for Championship Saturday.

“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans. He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event,” stated Chili Bowl co-founder, Emmett Hahn. “I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”

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Daren Lucas Named President of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Published

7 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Daren Lucas—a 35-year career professional in sports marketing, private equity, fundraising, college athletics and motorsports—has been named president of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA). The appointment returns Lucas to the Daytona Beach area, where he previously held several executive business development, management and revenue-generating positions with both Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and NASCAR from 2000 through 2006, officials stated in a press release.

Most recently, Lucas spent the past 10 years in his own sports consultancy, which has kept him at the forefront of sports sponsorship and digital and social marketing. Previously in Daytona, Lucas led all sales and marketing at DIS and all consumer marketing and ticketing for NASCAR-owned tracks, in support of such major events as the Daytona 500, the Rolex 24 At Daytona sports car race and the Daytona 200 motorcycle road race and other major motorsports events.

Lucas Brings Experience in Building Partnerships & the Sports Travel & Tourism Industry

In his agency work, Lucas executed more than 100 official partnership deals, including with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the Indianapolis 500. Lucas also brings extensive career experience in the sports travel and tourism industry at Super Bowls, Olympics, Masters and Kentucky Derbys. Lucas earned a bachelor of arts (BA) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was followed by a Master of Sports Administration (MSA) at Ohio University.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to join the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America as president,” Lucas said. “The impressive MSHFA Museum has grown extensively since relocating nearly 10 years ago in the DIS Ticket and Tours building, which is located just outside of the Speedway’s NASCAR Turn 4. The MSHFA administrative headquarters facility is housed in the same offices I worked in earlier in this century with DIS and NASCAR. Now, I look forward to working with both the MSHFA board of directors and the MSHFA team in my next chapter in Daytona and, most importantly, the next phase of success and growth for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.”

Inside the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Lucas Succeeds Retiring President George Levy

Lucas takes over MSHFA’s leadership from the retiring George Levy, who served as president from late 2019 through the end of 2025. Levy was just the MSHFA’s second president following the late Ron Watson, who initially held the presidential position from 1989 until his unexpected passing in October of 2019.

“The future of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is solid but has room to continue to grow,” said MSHFA board of directors chair Paul Doleshal. “With the hiring of Daren, we feel that we are poised for that growth. We are more than confident that we have found the right person with Daren, who can help advance the Hall into its next chapter of success. The MSHFA presidential search committee managed a long and thorough process, culling through more than 50 applications, interviewing dozens via video interviews, and then meeting with our final eight candidates through in-person interviews in both Daytona and Charlotte. We want to thank the entire search committee and sincerely thank George Levy, and we are proud of his ongoing efforts and the solid growth he led in the last six years.”

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