Why Kansas is now the best race on the NASCAR Cup schedule
Kansas Speedway has been on the NASCAR schedule since 2001 and while it has had its moments, no one circled it as the ‘action track’ when looking at the calendar every year. However, that changed swiftly with the arrival of the Next Gen car. While the car has made short track racing and road courses […]
Kansas Speedway has been on the NASCAR schedule since 2001 and while it has had its moments, no one circled it as the ‘action track’ when looking at the calendar every year. However, that changed swiftly with the arrival of the Next Gen car.
While the car has made short track racing and road courses duller than before, it has shone rather brightly on intermediate tracks, and that is never more true than when the series rolls into Kansas twice a year. Kansas has managed to produce six different winners in the last six races, and each event played out in its own unique (and thrilling) way.
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In 2022, there were constant battles all around the track (and a lot of flat tires), making for a chaotic race from start to finish. But the highlight was the thrilling battle for the win between Kyle Larson and Kurt Busch. With 86 laps to go, Larson was pushing hard and spun sideways in front of Busch, hitting the outside wall before straightening the car out. The race remained green and the two champions continued to battle back-and-forth throughout the final stage, cutting through slower traffic as they swapped the lead numerous times. With just eight laps to go, Busch squeezed Larson, who tagged the outside wall as Busch escaped for what would ultimately be the final win of his NASCAR Cup Series career.
Kurt Busch, 23XI Racing Toyota, Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Kurt Busch, 23XI Racing Toyota, Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletSean Gardner / Getty Images
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
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Tire issues continued to be a storyline in the fall visit later that same year, changing the complexion of the race constantly. And still, this was likely the calmest Kansas event from the Next Gen era with Bubba Wallace claiming victory, driving the same No. 45 vacated Busch after his career-ending crash at Pocono. There was never a moment where someone wasn’t trying to overtake another driver on track, leaving those watching on the edge of their seats.
Crash damage
Crash damageMeg Oliphant / Getty Images
Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
Things started to get really wild in the spring of 2023. There were 37 lead changes — a new record for Kansas. The drivers were going as hard as possible from the very start with William Byron nearly wrecking from the lead within the first two laps. By Lap 5, three drivers were already locked in a hectic fight for the top spot, culminating in contact that sent Larson spinning from the race lead. This just set the tone for the entire event, which saw 12 different drivers lead the race (a third of the field).
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It ended in dramatic fashion as Larson got wrecked from the lead (again), this time slamming the wall on the final lap. He was battling Hamlin, who clipped Larson before driving off with the victory. But the biggest moment of this race came after the checkered flag flew as Noah Gragson confronted Ross Chastain on pit road over some on-track dispute. He grabbed the driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet by the firesuit, causing the watermelon farmer to clobber Gragson in the side of the face with a right hook.
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, spins from the lead
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, spins from the leadSean Gardner / Getty Images
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
The fall of 2023 had plenty of its own drama with regular season champion Martin Truex Jr. crashing out of the pivotal playoff race within the first five laps. As commentator Steve Letarte said then: “Kansas…it’s a mile-and-a-half, it looks so normal, it looks so benign. It is anything but, and it’s impossible to say why.” Kansas just has an inherent wildcard factor that goes far beyond any other intermediate track in the current era.
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Hamlin was cruising out front when a late-race yellow set up a sprint to the checkered flag. That gave us an eyebrow-raising moment on pit road as Chase Elliott door-slammed teammate Larson after a tight pit exit. And Elliott wasn’t even in the playoffs! Daniel Suarez now led the race after staying out on old tires with several cars directly behind him who only took new right-sides. Reddick had four fresh tires though, and restarted in fifth for the two-lap dash. Reddick quickly charged forward, taking the win with an impressive three-wide pass for the lead at the white flag.
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota, Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford, Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota, Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford, Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club ChevroletSean Gardner / Getty Images
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
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The drama did not subside with the 2024 season as Chastain and Larson engaged in a stunning battle for the lead in the very first stage of the spring race, swapping the top spot nearly every lap in an appetizer for what was to come. The race ended in a historic photo finish as Larson pulled alongside Chris Buescher in a drag-race to the line. Elliott and Truex were rapidly closing on them as well, nearly fanning out four-wide at the finish as Larson door-slammed Buescher. At the checkered flag, just 0.001s separated Larson and Buescher in what now stands as the closest finish in the history of the Cup Series.
Photo finish with Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford; Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo finish with Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford; Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaLogan Riely / Getty Images
Logan Riely / Getty Images
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The 2024 fall event, and the most recent race at Kansas, began with a multi-car crash on Lap 1. There were 30 lead changes, but despite being a playoff race, two non-playoff drivers stole the show in the final stage. Kyle Busch and Chastain were swapping the lead as both searched for their first win of the 2024 season. It was advantage Busch as he caught Chase Briscoe — a playoff driver — who he was trying to lap. Busch ended up in a bad aero spot exiting Turn 2, spinning out in a shocking turn of events. Chastain then fought his way around Truex for the lead on the final restart and held back a charging Byron to win the race and play spoiler at Kansas.
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet; Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet; Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing ChevroletSean Gardner / Getty Images
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Why is Kansas so good?
Well, the track allows for multi-groove racing and passing is far easier than at most other circuits, which really helps it keep the action flowing. It has insane grip and progressive banking which means there is no dominant line. Drivers are all over the track in the corners, sometimes shifting lines mid-turn. There’s also the impact of a noticeable draft, which allows for the driver being passed to immediately fight back. The field remains tightly packed and rarely does the leader ever manage to drive away. Significant tire wear also never fails to keep things exciting.
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But more than anything, the drivers just have options. No one feels stuck, which is often the complaint at several other tracks on the schedule with this car. They don’t have to rely on pit stops or alternate strategy calls, but can actually make something happen for themselves. Because of this, there’s always something going around the riveting 1.5-miler. And if Sunday’s race has names like Larson, Hamlin or Chastain near the front, recent history tells us to watch out as something big is about to happen.
Read Also:
2025 NASCAR at Kansas schedule, entry list, and how to watch
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NASCAR Chicago Street Race lands Arby’s as sponsor
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner […]
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and driver Cody Ware in the Cup Series.
“It’s a watershed moment anytime you have a new brand joining the sport for the first time, especially when it’s a partner like Arby’s with such a unique, recognizable brand,” Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR, said in a press release. “The fact that we’re welcoming Arby’s to NASCAR on the streets of Chicago speaks to the tremendous momentum behind the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the sport overall.”
More on Arby’s and the Chicago Street Race
“Arby’s is thrilled to hit the track as a Founding Partner of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s, said. “This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking events in racing. Nothing goes better with NASCAR than one of our delicious Arby’s sandwiches, and we can’t wait to bring the meats to the streets for race fans and Arby’s fans in Chicago and beyond.
Arby’s joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo brand as the third Founding Partner of the 2025 Chicago Street Race. The restaurant was founded in 1964 and has 3,600 locations around the world. Its main headquarters are located in Atlanta.
“Arby’s is all about bringing joy to their fans, and that’s exactly our goal with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President, said. “As anticipation rises in the Chicago market, we know that Arby’s will be a perfect fit for the fun and enjoyment that we plan to bring back to Grant Park this Independence Day Weekend.”
The Chicago Street Race began in 2023 and Shane van Gisbergen won the Cup Series event that year. Alex Bowman won the race in 2024.
NASCAR commissioner snubbed as PGA Tour set to hire prominent NFL figure as CEO – Motorsport – Sports
The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a […]
The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a merger agreement with LIV Golf.
However, the new season kicked off without a fresh face at the helm, leading to increased scrutiny of Monahan’s leadership, particularly from two-time PGA Tour winner Andrew Landry. Several high-profile names were considered for the position, including NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade Golf CEO David Abeles. But it appears Rolapp, who has spent 22 years with the NFL, is set to make the switch to the PGA Tour.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Seth Wickersham report that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Rolapp’s departure in a memo sent to team executives and presidents on Thursday. The PGA Tour is expected to finalize Rolapp’s appointment during a board meeting on Monday.
Rolapp, who played a key role in the NFL’s recent growth spurt, has been touted as a potential successor to Goodell. Despite his impending move to the PGA Tour, it’s anticipated that he will remain a top contender for the NFL commissioner role when Goodell eventually steps down.
Monahan revealed last year a search for a fresh CEO in a heartfelt note to PGA Tour followers at the season’s conclusion. “We’re bringing new perspectives onto our team to help realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport,” he penned.
“Including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour. We can learn so much from across the world of sport and entertainment and I’m excited to meet candidates for this important new role.”
Rolapp, who’s been with the NFL for over two decades and has held his current position since 2017, previously served as the NFL’s chief operating officer and as senior vice president of media strategy and digital media.
The departing NFL executive has played a key part in securing advertisement contracts, arranging television deals, and managing league sponsorships, raking in more than $10 billion annually for the league. Now Rolapp takes on the mission to navigate the PGA Tour, amid ongoing talks with rival LIV Golf.
Discussions on merging continue, albeit with no substantial progress since the initial agreement paperwork in June 2023. While Monahan holds out hope for a merger, golf champion Rory McIlroy remains skeptical.
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“Look, I think it takes two to tango,” remarked McIlroy. “So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough. I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of just having all the best players together again.”
PGA luminary Bryson DeChambeau weighed in on the tour’s dynamics, opining: “But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think it would still be the ideal scenario for golf as a whole. But from a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don’t think it necessarily needs it.”
While at an event in Hong Kong, the LIV Golf star shared his vision saying, “I continue to see LIV Golf growing. It’s going to grow at an exponentiating pace for years to come, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
Loek Hartog to tackle three 24-hour races in three weeks
Photo credit: Porsche Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic […]
Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic GT (June 21–22) and the Spa 24 Hours with Rutronik Racing (June 28–29).
Hartog’s Le Mans drive marks his debut at the French classic, where he will pilot the 911 GT3 R alongside seasoned Manthey engineers. He then heads to Germany for his first appearance at the Nürburgring race before returning to Spa for a second outing on the Belgian circuit. Each event will test his endurance skills and ability to collaborate within multi-driver teams.
Last year, Hartog dominated the 16-round Carrera Cup season, claiming seven wins and eight pole positions en route to a championship margin exceeding 100 points. He also competed on both sides of the Atlantic in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe. In 2025 he has added GT4 America duties for ACI Motorsports as a co-driver in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
“Three big 24-hour races back to back are a new level of intensity,” Hartog said. “My sprint-race experience taught me to push boundaries, but endurance racing is about teamwork, consistency and staying present.” He has set his sights on advancing to the IMSA WeatherTech grid by 2026, aiming to leverage factory support and strong partnerships with gentleman drivers.
BangShift.com FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE.
FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE. Jun 12, 2025Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, RACING & ACTION, Videos Are you ready for the biggest purse in the North? We’re talking big […]
FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE.
Jun 12, 2025Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, RACING & ACTION, Videos
Are you ready for the biggest purse in the North? We’re talking big money bracket racing like none other, where the TB Promotions $250K takes over U.S. 131 in Michigan for the richest bracket race in the north. While big money bracket racing is the norm in the south, east, and even some places in the midwest, it sure isn’t as common up north. So when TB said they were bringing a $250,000 drag race to U.S. 131, you can imagine the excitement. Thanks to our friends at MotorManiaTV you can watch all of it, all weekend long, starting with today’s Mullis Race Cars Dragster race.
Then Friday and Sunday are worth $50,000 each for the winner and Saturday is worth $250,000! This is life changing money folks!
Video Description:
With few large paying bracket races in the northern part of the country, the team at TB Promotions picked the exception facility at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin MI to host the riches paying race in the north.
Enter the TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250K presented by Vintage Trailers. There are 4 great days of racing starting with the Folk Race Car shootout on Thursday, followed by the Fuel Factory 50K race on Friday followed by the Moser Engineering 250K race on Saturday and then closing out the weekend with SWT Excavation 50K race on Sunday.
There are also TB Promotions no box bonus each day and Hub Saver Jr’s on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Free LIVE Drag Racing: 11th Annual Mutt and Jeff Big Money Bracket Race – Thursday
FREE Nostalgia Drag Racing Livestream: The Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals LIVE From Beech Bend Raceway Park – Thursday
Dorman Revs up its Brand in NASCAR as the Primary Sponsor of Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway – Speedway Digest
On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. “Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, […]
On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.
“Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, but for what it represents. It’s a connection to a passionate community that shares our love for cars, performance, and problem-solving. Partnering with Spire Motorsports allows us to celebrate that shared spirit and be a part of incredible events like the Pocono race,” said Steve Gisondi, Vice President, Marketing.
The Dorman car will be driven by 26-year-old Justin Haley, who has 234 points after 15 races in the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series Championship standings. Haley is not only a rising star in NASCAR and a key driver for Spire Motorsports — he’s also a strong ambassador for the Dorman brand.
Haley’s car will be emblazoned with Dorman logos over a striking orange and black paint scheme and is the centerpiece of a multi-prong brand marketing campaign directed at fans attending race weekend at Pocono, as well as television and internet audiences around the world.
Director of Marketing Communications Justin Hall noted, “This marks our fifth year partnering with Spire Motorsports and the No. 7 car at Pocono. This race delivers top-tier brand exposure, and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s event with Spire.”
Dorman’s presence at Pocono represents more than just a marketing milestone — it is a celebration of the shared values that unite Dorman, Spire Motorsports, and the NASCAR community. From the garage to the grandstands, Dorman is proud to support a sport that reflects the determination, innovation, and hands-on spirit that defines the brand.
This event marks an exciting step forward as Dorman looks to build on the momentum and continue engaging with the passionate fans and professionals who drive the automotive world ahead. For more information about Pocono Race Weekend visit https://www.poconoraceway.com/
Visit our website at www.dormanproducts.com.
The Investor Relations section of the website contains a significant amount of information about Dorman, including financial and other information for investors. Dorman encourages investors to visit its website periodically to view new and updated information.
Daytona Motor Mouths: Breaking down NASCAR races on Amazon Prime Video After Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan, NASCAR makes a notable visit to Mexico City and enters Race 4 on Amazon Prime Video. The guys break it all down. NASCAR’s Cup Series returns to international competition for the first time since 1958 with a race […]
Daytona Motor Mouths: Breaking down NASCAR races on Amazon Prime Video
After Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan, NASCAR makes a notable visit to Mexico City and enters Race 4 on Amazon Prime Video. The guys break it all down.
NASCAR’s Cup Series returns to international competition for the first time since 1958 with a race in Mexico City.
The race will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
Not sure if you’ll be able to tell the difference in front of your color TV, but NASCAR is literally in foreign territory this weekend.
Last time it happened for a Cup Series points race, it was 1958 and, unlike this week, it was north of the border, where Lee Petty won in a field of 19 at the Canadian Exposition Stadium in Toronto, where a one-third-mile track held a one-off NASCAR event.
Want some serious trivia? Sure you do. In that most recent big-league international race, the dude finishing 17th out of 19 was Lee’s boy, Richard. And guess what. It was the very first of King Richard’s 1,184 Cup races.
Where were we?
Watch NASCAR on Amazon Prime Video
Ah, Mexico City, and the Rodriguez Brothers speedway, a 14-turn road course at 7,200 feet above sea level. Wanna watch? Well, you can, assuming you’ve made arrangements with the streamers at Amazon Prime Video. And assuming your CW affiliate isn’t showing a Rockford Files re-run.
Let’s go to the lineup.
BUY THE BOOK: Our book on Daytona 500 history has you covered for Father’s Day
Friday: Practice, practice, practice
1:05 p.m.: Cup Series practice (Prime).
2:05: Xfinity Series practice (CW).
3: Cup Series practice (Prime).
3:30: Xfinity Series practice (CW).
Saturday: Cup Series qualifying, Xfinity Series race in Mexico City
Plane? 
