NASCAR Insider Declares Hendrick Motorsports Kansas Maestro vs $239.69 Billion Group at the Hollywood Casino 400

The NASCAR Cup Series schedule returns to Kansas Speedway this week for a crucial 2nd round playoff showdown. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports’ once-in-a-generation talent, broke his shell and racked up his first Southern 500 win last week. Meanwhile, the rest 11 spots are up for grabs as the drivers battle it out on the 1.5-mile intermediate oval. Speaking on the popular Dale Earnhardt Jr. podcast, former HMS crew chief and NASCAR commentator made his predictions.

Much like our Kansas preview, the veteran also foresees an all-out war between the HMS Chevys and the Japanese manufacturer. In fact, he even says that the mile-and-a-half tri-oval will witness a close battle between the 2021 Cup Series champion and the $239.69 billion dollar manufacturer.

NASCAR to witness Hendrick Motorsports Talent versus the Toyotas

The Fords made a huge comeback with back-to-back wins at Richmond and Michigan. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former crew chief, Steve Letarte, believes that will not matter in Kansas. In fact, he predicts a full-blown confrontation between the Darlington triumphant, Kyle Larson, and the Toyotas.

READ MORE: “They Are Both Not in the Playoffs” – Christopher Bell Scrutinizes Chase Elliott & Alex Bowman While Addressing Ultimate Sacrifice for Joe Gibbs

Considering the consistency of the Japanese manufacturer at the venue, Letarte feels any of the six Toyotas can take the throne. That includes Joe Gibbs Racing‘s four cars and Michael Jordan-Denny Hamlin partnered 23XI Racing’s two cars as well. Talking on the Dirty Mo production, the veteran gave his honest thoughts.

“I can tell you that Kyle Larson and the Toyotas haul a**. I mean, that’s how it is – Larson and the Toyotas. And pick your Toyota because it can be any of them, all six of them. Bubba(Wallace) won here a year ago, (Tyler) Reddick has flown here,” he said.

The Grid

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Before letting the cat out of the bag with Sunday’s starting grid, let’s look at the numbers to have a more sensible approach. Much like Letarte’s prediction, the numbers also give the Toyotas an advantage. JGR’s Denny Hamlin holds the best figures with four wins at the track.

And he goes into the race a major favorite with +500 odds backing him. His fellow veteran and regular season champion, Martin Truex Jr, also has a 2-win track record at the tri-oval. Whereas for 23XI Racing cars, Wallace leads the attack with a stellar runner-up finish in the spring just behind the race winner, Denny Hamlin, who picked up his first win of the season earlier this year.

The qualifying and practice also gave us a glimpse of Toyota’s supremacy but with a slight twist. Christopher Bell got the pole position with the fastest time of 29.954 seconds. Larson tails the #20 Toyota with the next-best time of 30.029 seconds. Truex Jr. starts 3rd on Sunday while Chase Elliott starts at 4th and Hamlin’s driver, Tyler Reddick, gets a shot at 5th.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson’s troubles could harm HMS’ chances as JGR’s Joe Gibbs’ star reveals they have the advantage