NASCAR Kansas Sunday, March 22, 2026
KANSAS
Kansas has produced exciting finishes in recent years
2023 the most competitive Kansas race with 37 lead changes and Hamlin putting Larson into the wall on the final lap while racing to the win
2024 the closest-ever Cup Series finish with Larson edging Buescher
Last fall, Chase Elliott from 5th to the win during a final lap scramble
With 4 victories, no driver won at Kansas more than Denny Hamlin. Kyle Larson won this race the last 2 years. Last year Larson dominated starting from the pole, setting fastest lap, winning stage 1 & 2 and leading 83% of the laps while having at 1.4 average running position. It was the 3rd and final win of Larson’s championship season. Chase Elliott won the most recent Kansas race last fall coming from 5th going into the chaotic final lap weaving his way to victory in what was the 4th closest finish in 2025.
41st Kansas NASCAR Cup Series race – First race: 2001 (25 Years ago)
20 Different winners in 40 NASCAR Cup Series Kansas races
Christopher Bell (2nd & 3rd) & Chase Briscoe (4th & 4th) are only drivers to finish top 5 both Kansas races last season
Kyle Larson (1st & 6th) finished top 10 both Kansas races last season
4 Drivers won Kansas race & championship in same season –
Jeff Gordon 2001, Jimmie Johnson 2008, Martin Truex Jr. 5/17 & 10/17, Kyle Larson 10/21 & 5/25
28 of 40 NASCAR Cup Series Kansas races won by NASCAR Cup Series champions
Kyle Larson only repeat winner last 11 Kansas races (3 Wins) – 8 Others 1 win each
Kyle Larson: 3 Kansas wins – 2 Wins last 4 races
Christopher Bell: 3 Poles last 5 Kansas races (9/23, 5/24 & 9/24) – Winless from pole
4 Won back-to-back Kansas NCS races –
Jeff Gordon (2001 & ’02), Matt Kenseth (10/12 & 4/13), Martin Truex Jr. (5/17 & 10/17) & Denny Hamlin (10/19 & 7/20)
Denny Hamlin last back-to-back Kansas winner (10/19 & 7/20) – Chase Elliott won last Kansas race
10 Won first race of season at Kansas
8 of 40 Kansas races won from first starting position
Leader of most laps failed to win 6 of last 7 Kansas races
Final lead change with 2 or fewer laps to go 4 of last 6 Kansas races
3 of last 6 Kansas races settled by last lap pass