Track Analysis: What Challenges Does the Kansas Speedway Present to the NASCAR Cup Drivers Ahead of the Second Playoff Race

The Kansas Speedway plays host to the next race in the opening Playoff round, this weekend. With Kyle Larson winning last weekend at Darlington, the pressure is off his shoulders. However, it does ramp up the pressure on the other 15 Playoff contenders to fight for 11 remaining spots. This weekend, the battle arena is the Kansas Speedway, where the NASCAR drivers will have a chance to seal their berth.

The race track is one of the more traditional circuits on the calendar, aside from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Larson can rest on his laurels, with the knowledge that his Playoff berth is under no threat. However, with the momentum swinging his way, he would not be opposed to winning again to try and knock out his rivals. Though he will be wary of the likes of Denny Hamlin, who won last time out at Kansas.

What awaits the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff drivers at Kansas?

From a physical and visual standpoint, the Kansas Speedway is 1.5 miles long. Its four turns are all banked, varying between 17 to 20 degrees. It is also worth mentioning that the degree of banking has increased from its 15 degrees.

Furthermore, its front and back stretch also witnessed a change in banking. This ranges from 10.4 degrees to 10 degrees, and 5 degrees to 5.5 degrees respectively. The front stretch measures around 2,721 feet, while the backstretch measures 2,207 feet, and was repaved in 2012.

All drivers will be champing at the bit to go racing. The likes of Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr and Kyle Busch could be the favorites.

This is because all of them, with the exception of Busch, have won the race in the past. Additionally, Bubba Wallace could be a dark horse, since he won the Hollywood Casino 400 last year. Considering that this time he is a Playoff contender, it would actually count, if he won again.

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Who are the drivers in danger of being eliminated?

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In terms of the points standings, Michael McDowell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Kevin Harvick and Bubba Wallace are in danger. Fortunately for them, they have this weekend’s race and next weekend to escape. If one of them can snatch a win at Kansas or Bristol next weekend, all the more power to them.

However, they will be firmly aware that the other Playoff drivers won’t make things easy. Even worse would be the non-Playoff drivers, who would love to throw a spanner in the works. Drivers like Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Ty Gibbs and more, will be aiming to help their Playoff-contending teammates.

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