Chase Briscoe secured the pole position for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway this Sunday, gearing up for a vital race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Briscoe, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, recorded an impressive lap time of 29.987 seconds, positioning himself for a strong challenge as he seeks his third victory of the 2025 season.
Qualifying Highlights and Starting Grid Overview
This pole marks Briscoe’s seventh time starting from the front row during the current season. His teammate, Denny Hamlin, followed closely with the second fastest lap at 30.088 seconds, reinforcing Joe Gibbs Racing’s dominance in qualifying. The remainder of the field is set to join them on the grid, creating anticipation for a competitive showdown.
Weather Conditions and Race Schedule for Sunday
Race day at Kansas promises clear skies with temperatures peaking near 87 degrees and gentle winds across the speedway. At the 3 p.m. start, temperatures are expected to be around 85 degrees, with minimal chance of rain, ensuring optimal conditions for the 267-lap event. The Cup Series garage will be accessible to teams and fans from noon until 9:30 p.m. ET. The race is divided into three stages, with Stage 1 concluding at lap 80 and Stage 2 ending at lap 165. Coverage will be available on USA Network, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for viewers following the action.
Significance of the Kansas Race in the Playoff Picture
The Hollywood Casino 400 stands as the second race in the Round of 12 in the Cup Series playoffs, making it critical for playoff drivers aiming to advance. This event also marks the return to an intermediate 1.5-mile track after 17 races on other layouts. The last intermediate track race was the Coca-Cola 600, notably won in an unexpected fashion by Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing.
A new right-side tire compound will debut, offering teams expanded strategic options throughout the race. Following Kansas, the season’s final intermediate track event takes place in Las Vegas, which will also use these tires. The Kansas race last took place in May, where Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson dominated, leading 221 of the 267 laps en route to victory.
Implications for Playoff Drivers and Teams Moving Forward
With Chase Briscoe on pole and the field competing under favorable conditions, this race represents both an opportunity and a challenge for all playoff contenders. Strategies are expected to evolve, especially with the introduction of the new tire option, which could play a pivotal role in determining who advances to the next round. Drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and others will be under pressure to perform, making this a key event in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs that could shape the championship’s outcome.
“Having a strong starting position on such a crucial race really sets the tone for the weekend,” Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
