Chase Briscoe is set to start from the front for the Cup Series playoff race Kansas fans have been waiting for, after securing the pole position with an impressive lap in Saturday’s qualifying. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver clocked a time of 29.987 seconds, giving him the edge for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 and boosting his hopes for a third win of the 2025 season.
This marks Briscoe’s seventh pole of the year, a notable achievement that reflects his consistency on the grid. Lining up beside him will be his teammate, Denny Hamlin, who turned in the second-fastest qualifying time at 30.088 seconds, ensuring Joe Gibbs Racing commands the front row. The full starting lineup reveals how the rest of the field will stack up for this high-stakes playoff event.
Qualifying Results Set the Stage for Sunday’s Contest
With Briscoe leading the lineup, all eyes will be on the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers as they aim to capitalize on their strong qualifying performance. Denny Hamlin’s experience and speed keep the competition tight at the front. Ross Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing, will also be in the spotlight due to his past success on intermediate tracks. The remaining playoff drivers, including notable names such as Kyle Larson, will be eager to make their mark as the green flag drops at Kansas.
Sunny Skies Expected for the Kansas Showdown
Race fans can look forward to favorable weather conditions for Sunday’s race at the Kansas Speedway. Forecasts call for a high temperature of 87 degrees accompanied by light, variable winds and a very slim, 6% chance of rain. At race time, the temperature is predicted to sit around 85 degrees with no precipitation expected, allowing drivers and teams to focus purely on strategy and speed.
Festivities and track activities kick off when the Cup Series garage opens at noon and continue until late evening. The main event itself, spanning 267 laps, is set for a 3 p.m. ET start. Stage 1 will wrap up at Lap 80, with Stage 2 concluding at Lap 165. Fans can follow every lap on USA, MRN, or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring comprehensive coverage for those not in attendance.
High Stakes in the Second Race of the Round of 12
The Hollywood Casino 400 stands as the second race in the Round of 12 for the Cup Series playoffs, raising the stakes for every playoff driver. A return to an intermediate track after a long stretch draws extra focus from teams. The last event held at a 1.5-mile venue was the Coca-Cola 600, where Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain secured a surprising win, reminding everyone how unpredictable these tracks can be.
Adding to the intrigue, this race features a new right-side tire compound designed to expand teams’ strategic options on race day. After Kansas, the same tire will be used again at Las Vegas, which serves as the season’s final intermediate track. In the most recent Kansas race last May, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports dominated by leading 221 of 267 laps, offering a glimpse of who might emerge as a frontrunner this weekend.
With the Cup Series playoff race Kansas anticipation at a peak, strong performances in qualifying, and strategic tire changes, the stage is set for an intense and potentially unpredictable contest. The outcome could prove crucial in shaping the championship narrative as the series progresses deeper into the postseason.
