
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2023; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin stands with his crew chief Chris Gabehart (left) during practice and qualifying for the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2023; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin stands with his crew chief Chris Gabehart (left) during practice and qualifying for the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
This weekend is the second Playoff race, offering another chance for the remaining 15 to seal a round of 12 berth. Kyle Larson can sit pretty because he is in the clear after his win at Darlington. Now, the paddock has made landfall at the Kansas Speedway for the second time this year. Among the favorites to win the race is Joe Gibbs Racing star, Denny Hamlin, but he knows that he will have a fight on his hands.
Hamlin is a front-runner because he won the race during the last visit to the Kansas Speedway. With four under his belt, he is undoubtedly the most successful driver there. However, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick are hot on his heels with three wins each. Even Larson himself is a driver to be wary of, as he was really strong last time out.
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What threat do Logano and Harvick pose to Denny Hamlin?
The #22 Team Penske driver won at the Kansas Speedway in 2014, 2015 and 2020. Considering that he is a Playoff contender, Logano could be in with a shout of equalling Hamlin. Even Kevin Harvick has three wins to his name, in 2013, 2016, and 2018. Unfortunately for Harvick, his 2023 season has not been particularly kind to him or his team.

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Kansas City, Kansas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) leads Joey Logano (22) and Ryan Blaney (12) and Brad Keselowski (2) during the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
This is in spite of the fact that he is in the Playoffs in his final season. However, it is worth considering that he is one of three Playoff drivers who have yet to take a win this season. Nevertheless, Harvick will be fired up and hoping to bow out of the NASCAR Cup Series on a high note.
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What about Kyle Larson? Where does he feature in the equation?
As the previous winner, the momentum is with the Hendrick Motorsports driver. So, he will be keen to capitalize on his current form and bring back some fortune after a mixed campaign for HMS. Furthermore, he almost won at Kansas last time out, and he was battling Hamlin until the latter got aggressive. This resulted in the #5 driver getting too up close and personal with the wall.
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With that in mind, Kyle Larson will obviously want to seek revenge on Hamlin. He would dearly love to give the Joe Gibbs Racing driver a taste of his own medicine. In light of that, can Hamlin really afford to have a driver out for blood while he is on the hunt for a Playoff berth?
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