The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series are both back at Kansas Speedway, and there’s a lot on the line. Joey Logano enters hot after his Texas win, while names like Kyle Larson and William Byron look strong again. In the Truck Series, William Byron steps in, and Corey Heim races in both series, raising the stakes. Rookies and returning drivers add even more mystery. With so many storylines building, Kansas could shake up more than just one points race.
NASCAR Cup Series: Stars and Storylines to Watch at Kansas
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway for the AdventHealth 400, bringing a stacked field of 38 drivers and plenty of intrigue. Defending Cup champion Joey Logano enters with momentum after his Texas victory, making him a driver to watch as he seeks back-to-back wins.
Kyle Larson, the defending Kansas spring winner, leads this week’s power rankings with two wins and seven top-fives in 2025, making him a perennial threat at 1.5-mile tracks. William Byron, the current points leader and Daytona 500 winner, has been a model of consistency and finished runner-up at Kansas last fall.
Denny Hamlin, despite recent misfortune, boasts a stellar Kansas record with a win and multiple top-10s in recent starts. Tyler Reddick, a former Kansas winner, is also in the mix, looking to convert strong runs into another victory for 23XI Racing.
Rising Talents and Surprise Entries
Kansas will see several rising stars and new faces looking to make their mark. Jesse Love, a two-time Xfinity Series winner, will pilot the No. 33 for Richard Childress Racing, making his third Cup start and aiming to impress on a big stage. Corey Heim, a dominant force in the Truck Series and recent 23XI Racing signee, makes his Cup debut in the No. 67 Toyota, adding intrigue to the rookie battle.
Shane Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand sensation, continues his transition to NASCAR with Trackhouse Racing and is always a wildcard on intermediate tracks. These young drivers join a field of established veterans, ensuring fans will see a blend of experience and fresh talent battling for glory at Kansas.
NASCAR Truck Series: Heart of Health Care 200 Brings Depth
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Kansas for the Heart of Health Care 200, featuring a 31-truck field packed with contenders and storylines. William Byron, a Cup Series star, will moonlight in the No. 07 for Spire Motorsports, instantly making him a favorite. Corey Heim, a Kansas winner in the NASCAR Truck Series, will be a major threat with TRICON Garage and has extra motivation with his Cup debut the same weekend.
Morgen Baird makes his Truck debut in the No. 22 for Reaume Brothers Racing, adding to the rookie intrigue. Luke Baldwin returns for his second start with ThorSport Racing, while Carson Hocevar, a Cup regular, will run select Truck events, bringing top-tier experience to the field.
What to Watch: Battles, Momentum, and Track History
Kansas Speedway’s 1.5-mile layout is known for close racing, multiple grooves, and late-race drama. In the Cup Series, keep an eye on the battle between Hendrick Motorsports’ duo of Larson and Byron, both with strong Kansas records, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, the season’s winningest driver. Hamlin’s ability to rebound and Reddick’s recent Kansas success add more layers to the story.
In the NASCAR Truck Series, Byron’s Cup-caliber skill and Heim’s Kansas prowess set up a fascinating duel, while rookies like Baird and Love could surprise. With both series featuring deep, competitive fields, fans can expect unpredictable action, strategic gambles, and potential new winners as NASCAR’s best tackle the Sunflower State.
News in Brief: NASCAR Kansas Speedway drivers to watch
The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series are set for a thrilling weekend at Kansas Speedway. Joey Logano looks to repeat his Texas success, while Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin all aim to add to their strong performances. The Truck Series sees stars like Corey Heim and William Byron vying for victory. With rising talents like Shane van Gisbergen and Jesse Love making their mark, Kansas promises intense racing across both series.
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