As the NASCAR Cup Series races into Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 400, 23XI Racing, once dominant at the track, finds itself in a challenging position. The team had previously showcased formidable performances at this venue during the early days of the Next Gen era, with Kurt Busch and Bubba Wallace claiming significant victories. Wallace made headlines with his Playoff win at Kansas while not actually in the Playoffs, emphasizing 23XI’s prowess.
However, recently, the magic has faded for 23XI Racing at Kansas. Chevrolet drivers have taken control of the track, with Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain claiming the past three victories. Larson’s form has been particularly impressive, as he led the field for a record 221 laps during his May triumph, marking the most laps led in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile track in NASCAR Cup history.
Bubba Wallace and his team need to rediscover their “mojo” at Kansas Speedway as they currently find themselves in a precarious position within the Playoff standings. Wallace dropped to 12th after a disappointing 26th-place finish in the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He is now 27 points shy of the cut-off for advancing to the Round of 8. Similarly, his teammate Tyler Reddick is positioned 11th, being 23 points below the line, following a 21st-place result at Loudon. Both drivers will need exceptional performances at Kansas to keep their Championship aspirations alive.
Meanwhile, Larson has dominated Kansas and is optimistic about maintaining his strong showing. His mastery of the track is evident, as he holds three victories in the last 10 races there. Larson appreciates Kansas for its wear on tires and the ability to find various racing lines, particularly favoring the top, high-risk lane near the wall.
In the Playoff race, Larson sits third in the standings, behind leader Ryan Blaney and William Byron. Blaney, already locked into the Round of 8, provides some comfort for Ford, which hasn’t seen a win at Kansas since Joey Logano’s victory in 2020. Logano, sixth in the standings, is also in good form with a streak of top-five finishes.
The unpredictable nature of Kansas Speedway, with its multiple racing lanes, presents opportunities for those who can adapt, like Larson. Historically, starting within the top 10 has been crucial for success, with 10 of the last 11 winners commencing their races from these positions.
As NASCAR enthusiasts look forward to the Hollywood Casino 400, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at Kansas Speedway. Racing fans are eager to witness whether 23XI Racing can reclaim their winning ways or if Kyle Larson and his Chevrolet will continue their recent dominance.