Kyle Larson leads betting for the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, drawing attention after last year’s dramatic clash and high-stakes finish. With strong odds and a history of dominance at the track, the race promises renewed tension between standout drivers seeking critical Playoff points. Focus remains on the Kyle Larson Kansas Speedway odds as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Kansas this Sunday.
Recapping Last Year’s Showdown at Kansas Speedway
The 2023 Kansas Speedway race set fans abuzz when Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson battled for more than 50 laps before Hamlin nudged past Larson, forcing the No. 5 Chevrolet out of contention on the final lap. Larson, who led for 85 laps—a race high—ultimately finished second and was visibly upset by the late move. The incident captured the unpredictable intensity of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, solidifying Kansas as a must-watch stop on the schedule.
As the final moments unfolded, drama spilled over to pit road when a conflict erupted between Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson, keeping tensions high beyond the checkered flag.
Obviously, he was side-drafting really aggressively, like he would. He was touching me, it felt like, and it had me really out of control. I wish we could …
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Key Storylines Going Into the Hollywood Casino 400
Multiple title favorites head into Sunday’s race surrounded by intense expectations. Ryan Blaney, the reigning series champion, arrives off a victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway—his third there and a testament to his consistency. He continues his pursuit of a third consecutive Championship 4 appearance, seeking to further cement his stature among elite Cup Series drivers.
William Byron broke a challenging pattern at the “Magic Mile,” earning his first top-10 in eight starts and defending his regular-season championship form. He currently sits second in the playoff standings and carries a 47-point buffer above the cutoff with two Round of 12 races remaining.
Chase Elliott, still a major draw for fans and the 2020 series titleholder, made significant playoff gains by climbing from a subpar qualifying position to a top-five finish last week, accumulating vital points. Elliott now ranks seventh, holding a 14-point margin over elimination.
Chase Elliott congratulated his friend, Ryan Blaney, after his victory at New Hampshire🦞
📸:NHMS pic.twitter.com/mE4eHINCC2
— Sportskeeda NASCAR (@NASCARatSK) September 23, 2025
Drivers and Odds for the Hollywood Casino 400
Betting markets, led by FanDuel Sportsbook, currently list Kyle Larson as the favorite for Sunday at Kansas Speedway, reflecting his recent strength at the venue and his reputation for high-pressure performances. Larson, noted for his three Kansas wins since 2022, is offered at +340 odds and is positioned to reclaim his season-long dominance among betting favorites.
Denny Hamlin, winner of last year’s Kansas event after a winless streak, is priced at +650. After an incident with teammate Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire, Hamlin is aiming for a controlled performance to shift focus back to winning on intermediate tracks.
Ross Chastain, marked at +1800, stands out as a wildcard. Known both for thrilling victories and on-track altercations in Kansas, Chastain brings an unpredictable edge, giving bettors a longshot with dramatic upside for Sunday’s showdown.
Here’s what happened on pit road between @NoahGragson and @RossChastain. pic.twitter.com/MMcOLASlgq
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 7, 2023
What to Expect at Kansas Speedway
Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 marks a critical point in the playoff hunt, with drivers and teams on edge as the Round of 12 unfolds. Kansas Speedway’s 1.5-mile layout rewards speed and precise teamwork, and last year demonstrated that late-race aggression can upend favorites on the final lap. Intense rivalries and the fierce pursuit of points ensure that each lap will hold playoff implications.
With Kyle Larson aiming to solidify his place atop the odds and high-profile competitors like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Chase Elliott vying for momentum, fans can expect a tension-filled contest likely to shape the remainder of the Cup Series postseason. The unpredictability of pit-road drama and potential upsets by drivers like Ross Chastain add even more intrigue as the championship chase accelerates.
DENNY HAMLIN WINS AT KANSAS AFTER AN EPIC BATTLE WITH KYLE LARSON! pic.twitter.com/2wfK5BnhVm
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 7, 2023
Chase Elliott congratulated his friend, Ryan Blaney, after his victory at New Hampshire🦞
📸:NHMS pic.twitter.com/mE4eHINCC2
— Sportskeeda NASCAR (@NASCARatSK) September 23, 2025
Here's what happened on pit road between @NoahGragson and @RossChastain. pic.twitter.com/MMcOLASlgq
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 7, 2023
