Fans looking forward to the NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 schedule will want to mark their calendars for the action-packed weekend at Kansas Speedway from September 26 to 28, 2025. The event, which takes place in Kansas City, Kansas, is a crucial part of the playoffs and will bring top drivers together for intense competition culminating in Sunday’s main race.
The Hollywood Casino 400 marks the 31st NASCAR Cup Series race of the season and serves as the fifth event in the playoffs, drawing competitors and racing enthusiasts alike to Kansas Speedway. The primary race will be broadcast on NBC Sports and USA Network, starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 28, 2025. As the second race in the Round of 12, this contest promises high stakes with the Next Gen car making its eighth appearance at the track.
Details About the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway
This year’s Hollywood Casino 400 is the 25th iteration at the Kansas Speedway oval, a 1.5-mile course known for its 17-20 degrees of progressive banking in turns, 9-11 degrees on the frontstretch, and 5 degrees on the backstretch. Since its debut in 2001—when Jeff Gordon took the inaugural win—the event has become a highlight of the Cup Series calendar.
The race itself covers 267 laps, which totals 400.5 miles, and is split into three distinct stages. Stage 1 concludes on lap 80, Stage 2 runs another 80 laps, and the final stage extends for 107 laps. Thirty-seven drivers, including JJ Yeley representing the NY Racing Team as the only open driver this weekend, will contend for playoff glory.
The event forms a significant part of the Kansas playoff weekend, showcasing intense competition that draws both loyal fans and newcomers to the sport. The importance of this race is underscored by its place in the playoff structure and its potential to shape championship outcomes.
Full Timeline for Practice, Qualifying, and Race Events
The weekend begins with activities for multiple racing series. On Friday, September 26, attention turns first to the ARCA Menards Series, with practice kicking off at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the ARCA Reese’s 150 race at 8 p.m. ET. These events set the stage for an action-filled start to the weekend.
Saturday, September 27, features NASCAR Xfinity Series practice at 10:30 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 11:35 a.m. ET. At 1 p.m. ET, the Cup Series takes to the track for practice, with qualifying to follow at 2:10 p.m. ET. The afternoon continues with the Kansas Lottery 300 at 4 p.m. ET, adding to the anticipation for Sunday’s main event.
Sunday, September 28, is all about the main event – the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET – set for 3 p.m. ET. The field, filled with notable figures like Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson, and Kyle Busch, will battle on the iconic oval. Ross Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing, heads into the weekend as the defending champion after last year’s memorable victory and will be aiming to make another strong showing.
What Fans and Participants Can Expect from the Race Weekend
Visitors can look forward to witnessing the energy of playoff racing as drivers such as Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson, and JJ Yeley compete at one of the series’ most established tracks. The schedule covers a range of events and provides significant opportunities for fans to see their favorites in action at Kansas Speedway.
The outcome of the Hollywood Casino 400 could heavily influence playoff standings as drivers advance toward the Cup Series championship. Not only is this race pivotal for competitors, but it also offers a showcase of skill, strategy, and speed that has come to define NASCAR’s postseason at Kansas City. Audiences can expect exciting developments and can track every moment live on national broadcasts across NBC Sports and USA Network.
Looking ahead, the NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 schedule ensures that the tradition of thrilling racing and playoff drama will continue at Kansas Speedway, adding new chapters to the event’s rich history.
Kansas
ETFri
4:30-ARCA p&q
8-FS1-ARCA 100Sat
10:30-CW App-Xfin p&q
1-TruTv-Cup p&q
3:30-CW-Prerace
4-CW-Xfin 45-45-110Sun
2:30-USA-Prerace
3-USA-Cup 80-85-102— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 22, 2025
