Kansas Speedway is back in the spotlight, and Sunday’s race could shake up the season. This 1.5-mile track has seen last-lap passes, wild finishes, and big names in NASCAR Cup Series history. One race in 2024 even ended with the closest finish ever. Five drivers now stand out with the best shot at winning again, but nothing is certain. With past champions and rising stars heading into Kansas Speedway, anything can happen when the green flag waves.
Kansas Speedway: A Modern Midwest Marvel
Kansas Speedway, nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, stands as a testament to NASCAR’s expansion into the Midwest at the turn of the 21st century. The track’s story began in the late 1990s, when the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) eyed the region for a state-of-the-art racing facility. After a competitive site selection process and some local opposition, Wyandotte County secured the deal, and construction broke ground in May 1999. Despite delays from lawsuits and logistical hurdles, the $287 million project opened its gates on June 2, 2001, with ARCA driver Jason Jarrett claiming the first checkered flag.
The 1.5-mile tri-oval quickly became a staple on the NASCAR calendar, hosting not only Cup Series events but also races from the IndyCar Series and IMSA SportsCar Championship. Its unique 17-20 degree banking and wide racing surface have made it a favorite among drivers, often producing side-by-side action and dramatic finishes. Over the years, the Speedway has seen its seating capacity fluctuate, peaking at over 80,000 before settling at 48,000 in recent years.
Adjacent to the track, the Hollywood Casino opened in 2012, further cementing Kansas Speedway as a major entertainment hub in the region. Today, under NASCAR’s ownership, the venue remains a centerpiece for big-league racing and a vital economic engine for Kansas City.
The AdventHealth 400: A Race Built for Drama
The AdventHealth 400, first run in 2011, has quickly carved out a reputation for unpredictability and excitement at Kansas Speedway. As one of two annual NASCAR Cup Series races at the track, the event is contested over 267 laps (400 miles), challenging drivers with its fast, multi-groove racing and ever-changing track conditions. The race has become known for its nail-biting finishes-none more so than last year, when Kyle Larson edged Chris Buescher by just one-thousandth of a second, marking the closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history.
Kansas Speedway’s layout encourages late-race drama, with the final lead change occurring in the last two laps in three of the past four Cup events at the venue. The 2024 edition of the AdventHealth 400 was no exception, as Larson’s last-lap heroics added another chapter to the race’s growing lore. Past editions have seen a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars reach Victory Lane, and the event’s place in the heart of the season makes it a crucial battleground for playoff hopefuls.
The AdventHealth 400 has also played host to several notable milestones, including wins by legends like Jeff Gordon and dramatic moments that have shaped championship campaigns. Its status as a fan favorite is bolstered by Kansas Speedway’s reputation for competitive, clean racing and the unpredictability that intermediate tracks often provide.
Five Drivers to Watch: Who Will Conquer Kansas?
As the engines fire for the 2025 AdventHealth 400, all eyes are on a handful of proven Kansas performers and rising stars. Here’s a look at five drivers who stand out as favorites, based on past success at Kansas Speedway, recent form, and their prowess on 1.5-mile ovals:
- Kyle Larson
The defending winner of the AdventHealth 400, Larson enters as the odds-on favorite (+425) and for good reason. His mastery of intermediate tracks and ability to find speed in multiple grooves make him a perennial threat at Kansas. Last year’s photo finish only cemented his reputation as a clutch performer when it matters most.
Reddick’s affinity for Kansas is no secret. He won the Hollywood Casino 400 here in September 2023 and boasts four top-10 finishes at the track. With four top-eight results already in 2025, including a runner-up at the Daytona 500, Reddick is primed for another breakthrough. His aggressive style suits Kansas’s high-speed corners, and he’s listed among the favorites at +650.
Blaney, also at +650 odds, has quietly built a strong record at Kansas. His consistency on intermediates and ability to manage tire wear make him a dark horse for Sunday’s race. Blaney’s recent momentum and strategic acumen could see him in the mix when the laps wind down.
Byron’s 2024 campaign was highlighted by a Daytona 500 win, and he’s continued to impress on 1.5-mile tracks. With odds at +850, Byron has shown he can contend with the best at Kansas, leveraging Hendrick Motorsports’ strong history at the venue. His adaptability and qualifying speed make him a driver to watch, especially if he starts near the front.
A three-time Kansas winner (2012, 2019, 2020), Hamlin’s experience and racecraft are invaluable at this track. He’s also listed at +850 and remains one of the most savvy drivers in the field, capable of capitalizing on late-race restarts and changing conditions.
News in Brief: AdventHealth 400 Race Predictions
Kansas Speedway continues to deliver thrilling finishes and unexpected twists, making the AdventHealth 400 a key moment in the NASCAR Cup Series season. Since opening in 2001, the track has become a Midwest racing powerhouse. The AdventHealth 400 stands out for its close battles and championship impact. In 2025, favorites like Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin are ready for action. Each has a strong case, but only one will win.
ALSO READ: Record-Breaking Payout at Kansas! How Much Will the AdventHealth 400 Winner Really Make?
