Thirty-seven drivers are scheduled to compete in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway, known as the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET, on Sunday, September 28. This race represents the 31st event in the 36-race season and is the second contest in the ‘Round of 12’ for the NASCAR Cup Series Kansas playoffs.
Since the NASCAR Cup Series permits up to 40 starters, no drivers or teams will be eliminated before the green flag waves for the 400-mile race this Sunday afternoon. The lineup includes six open entries from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports: Noah Gragson, Bubba Wallace, Todd Gilliland, Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, and Tyler Reddick. Additionally, NY Racing will enter the No. 44 Chevrolet, driven by JJ Yeley, competing part-time this season under the ownership of Jay Cohen.
Ryan Blaney, fresh off his victory at the previous weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will compete in the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. Blaney’s car will feature sponsorship from Menards and Richmond Water Heaters. Alongside Blaney, eleven other drivers entered remain contenders for the championship heading into Sunday’s race. These drivers include Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick.
Details of the Entry Roster for Kansas Playoff Race
The open entries add depth to the field as teams like 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports bring multiple drivers to the race. Noah Gragson, Bubba Wallace, and Todd Gilliland are among those representing these teams, with Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, and Tyler Reddick rounding out the group of open drivers. NY Racing’s No. 44 Chevrolet, piloted by JJ Yeley, has taken part in a dozen NASCAR Cup Series races this year, achieving a top finish of 28th place.
The championship contenders, including 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, aim to secure vital points at Kansas Speedway. The race coverage will begin at 3:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on USA Network, as well as audio coverage from Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Significance of the Hollywood Casino 400 in the NASCAR Cup Series Season
The Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway is crucial for drivers and teams as it marks the penultimate phase in the ‘Round of 12’ within the NASCAR Cup Series Kansas playoff structure. With championship hopes on the line, the 400-mile race provides drivers an opportunity to advance or risk elimination before the season’s final rounds.
The promising lineup, featuring a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, sets the stage for an intense battle on the track. Each driver’s performance will influence their position as the playoffs advance, making the Hollywood Casino 400 a pivotal event with substantial implications for the championship race.
