This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at Kansas Speedway will feature 37 drivers competing in the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET, as the 31st race of the season unfolds and the second contest in the pivotal ‘Round of 12’ takes place.
All teams on the preliminary entry list are guaranteed spots on the grid, since the NASCAR Cup Series permits up to 40 entries and 37 are entered, ensuring no drivers will be sidelined before the green flag drops for the 400-mile event.
Full Slate of Teams Set for Kansas Playoff Race
Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing will contribute six open entries to the race, which include Noah Gragson, Bubba Wallace, Todd Gilliland, Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, and Tyler Reddick. An additional open entry comes from NY Racing, sending JJ Yeley to compete in the No. 44 Chevrolet. NY Racing, led by Jay Cohen, has made a dozen Cup Series appearances this year, earning a top finish of 28th.
Ryan Blaney, who triumphed last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will be among the frontrunners at Kansas Speedway, piloting the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. His vehicle will carry sponsorship from Menards and Richmond Water Heaters. Blaney enters as the defending series champion and will be looking to add another victory in this crucial playoff stage.
Key Drivers Still in Playoff Contention
Besides Ryan Blaney, eleven other drivers remain eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series championship as the playoffs intensify: Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick. Their performances in Kansas could play a major role in determining the group that moves forward in the postseason chase.
JJ Yeley’s participation with NY Racing adds another layer of competition for the Hollywood Casino 400, making the field diverse with both full-time and selective competitors.
Event Details for Hollywood Casino 400
The Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, starting at 3:00 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on USA Network, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
The outcome of this race will help shape the ongoing championship battle as drivers like Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, and William Byron look to secure their places in the next playoff round and keep their title hopes alive.
