No more rainy ravages—at least for this weekend. Back in May this year, thousands of fans camped out at Kansas Speedway, decked with umbrellas and raincoats, waiting to see the race. Their aspirations played out after no less than three hours, as rainfall delayed the race. Instead of 3:13 p.m., the race had to be flagged off at 6:25 p.m. Thankfully, the second visit to the track would not incur the same fate.

As drivers and fans alike roll up their sleeves for the Round of 12, they may expect a smooth experience. Unlike the spring debacle, the weather gods are giving their blessings this time. Kansas skies are looking clear, but there may be a windy affair.

Kansas Speedway weather update

Despite the fans’ prolonged patience at the 1.5-mile tri-oval track, Kansas Speedway did not disappoint in May during the AdventHealth 400. Kyle Larson put up a thrilling fight with Chris Buescher, who won the second stage. Ultimately, a four-wide finish ensued at the end among Larson, Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Martin Truex Jr. Larson did not think he had won until he got the news—because he ended up just 0.001 seconds ahead of Buescher—the closest finish in NASCAR history. Kansas may pack a similarly exhilarating experience this time as well, aided by beautiful weather.

Hurricane Helene would continue inland in Kansas on Friday and Saturday. So the upper-level clouds and stronger winds may move into Kansas Speedway then but may clear out by Sunday. So the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET will be flagged off in perfect weather. RaceWeather updated the forecast on X: “NASCAR is returning to @kansasspeedway for the first race of the second round! Unlike the spring race, there are no rain chances throughout the weekend, but those great plains winds will be strong on Friday and Saturday.”

This should come as music to the ears of Kansas Speedway fans. The 0.001-second photo finish in the spring is not the only time the track hosted some dramatic events. For instance, last year, Denny Hamlin faced two rivals: Larson and his own 23XI Racing driver, Tyler Reddick. He won the first time, making contact with Larson before executing a last-lap pass. But in the fall, Reddick managed to fend off Hamlin in the final two-lap shootout.

This time as well, do not expect anything less dramatic, as the same contenders are hot for Kansas. And with Mother Nature clearing the path, things should get spicier.

Some lively predictions for Kansas

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After the Round of 12 races, it is clear that some unlikely competitors are on the horizon. Case in point: Alex Bowman. The Hendrick Motorsports driver astutely staved off speculation about his ejection as he sailed through the races on points. He also happens to be good in Kansas, owning four top-ten finishes in the Next-Gen car and leading a race-high 107 laps two years ago.

However, the OGs are never off the grid—Tyler Reddick scored the most points (154) on 1.5-mile tracks this year. And then Bristol winner Kyle Larson is exciting Jordan Bianchi: “The expectation is that he completes the Kansas sweep.”

Additionally, special regard should be given to Denny Hamlin. He scored a podium finish at Bristol, where he dramatically won in the spring, prompting Kyle Petty to warn his competitors about him. Hamlin may finally be on the championship ride, and his Kansas Speedway chances are no slimmer.

Jeff Gluck summed up Hamlin’s high chances, “Denny Hamlin should have a great chance to re-establish his championship hopes at Kansas (where he led the most laps in the spring race before finishing fifth). Hamlin, the active Kansas wins leader with four victories, has an insane 2.8 average finish in the five Next Gen car races at Kansas.”

So with Mother Nature’s blessing, the Round of 12 opener is bound to be a thriller. Buckle your seatbelts for a bumpy experience!