The NASCAR playoffs continue this weekend at Kansas Speedway with a full slate of racing for both the Cup and Xfinity Series. Fans can expect high-stakes battles on the mile-and-a-half track as drivers vie for crucial playoff points and positioning. The action begins Saturday with practice, qualifying, and the Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300, before culminating Sunday with the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400. Entry lists feature returning drivers, one-off appearances, and a handful of teams facing tough qualifying decisions.
Key Highlights
NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. ET.
NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 set for Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. ET.
Cup entry list features 37 cars, ensuring full Sunday field barring changes.
Xfinity entry list includes 39 cars, meaning one team will fail to qualify.
Several drivers return for one-off events, including Justin Bonsignore and Nick Leitz.
Saturday Action: Practice, Qualifying, and Xfinity Race
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 27, with a full day of sessions for both series. The Xfinity Series begins practice at 10:30 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 11:35 a.m. ET to set the starting grid for the Kansas Lottery 300. The Cup Series hits the track at 1:00 p.m. ET for practice, followed by qualifying at 2:10 p.m. ET. The Xfinity race itself takes the green flag at 4:00 p.m. ET, airing live on The CW.
Several notable entries will make appearances in the Xfinity field this weekend. Nick Leitz returns to SS-Green Light Racing in the No. 07 car, while Garrett Smithley will handle the No. 14 for the same team. Hendrick Motorsports’ Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 17, and Justin Bonsignore makes his first start of the season in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car since Iowa Speedway.
Patrick Staropoli reunites with Sam Hunt Racing in the No. 24, and Mason Massey will take the wheel of the No. 45 for Alpha Prime Racing. Kole Raz returns to AM Racing’s No. 76 entry, and DGM Racing’s No. 91 will compete with the driver yet to be announced. The Joey Gase Motorsports No. 35 is also listed, but the driver has not been revealed. With 39 cars entered, one team will fail to qualify unless there are last-minute changes.
Sunday Spotlight: Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400
Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series action centers on the Hollywood Casino 400 at 3:00 p.m. ET, broadcast live on USA Network. This event is a critical playoff race, with drivers battling for points and position as the postseason intensifies. The entry list includes 37 cars, ensuring that all teams currently entered will make the race unless there are changes before the green flag. Among the notable entries, JJ Yeley returns to the Cup Series in the No. 44 for NY Racing Team, highlighting the occasional nonchartered team competing in the playoff stretch.
The Kansas mile-and-a-half track provides a mix of speed and strategy, where pit calls, drafting, and tire management can decide the outcome. Cup drivers will use Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions to dial in setups and assess track conditions ahead of the main event. Teams also face the challenge of staying competitive in a strong field while balancing risk and reward on this intermediate track.
Drivers and Teams to Watch
This weekend presents opportunities for both returning drivers and playoff contenders to make an impact. Justin Bonsignore’s return to the No. 19 car with Joe Gibbs Racing is notable, as is Rajah Caruth’s continued development with Hendrick Motorsports. Patrick Staropoli and Mason Massey add depth to the field with strong performances in prior races, while teams like SS-Green Light Racing and Alpha Prime Racing aim to make the most of practice and qualifying to secure a solid starting position.
The Cup Series field is stacked with playoff contenders, and any mistakes or miscalculations could have ripple effects on the postseason standings. JJ Yeley’s entry in the No. 44 car is a reminder that nonchartered teams occasionally disrupt the usual pecking order. Both series offer fans storylines ranging from veteran drivers protecting playoff positions to young drivers seeking to prove themselves on a big stage.
News in Brief: Kansas Speedway Weekend Schedule: Cup and Xfinity Series Action
This weekend at Kansas Speedway features the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 on Saturday and the Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday. Xfinity practice and qualifying precede the 4 p.m. ET race, with 39 cars entered, meaning one will fail to qualify. Cup practice and qualifying run Saturday afternoon, setting the field for the 3 p.m. ET Sunday race on USA Network. Key entries include JJ Yeley in the No. 44 Cup car, Rajah Caruth in the No. 17 Xfinity car, Justin Bonsignore in the No. 19, and several returning drivers.
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