Larson Leads Hamlin by One Point Into Kansas
NXTbets Pro | Published On: September 23, 2026
Playoff pressure at Kansas
That one-point margin leaves little room for error in the Hollywood Casino 400. The top four drivers are separated by just 17 points, which makes every stage and pit sequence matter. Among the Chase field, Larson has led a track-record 1,003 laps at Kansas and owns an 11.7 average finish. He also has three Kansas victories. Hamlin brings the strongest active win total at Kansas with four victories and 18 top-10 finishes. He has also finished in the top 10 in nine of his last 10 Kansas starts. Chase Elliott adds another layer after his most recent postseason win at Kansas, and he owns the best active average finish among drivers in the Chase field at 9.810. That trio gives the race a tight front end before the field even takes the green, and Larson’s track record makes him the driver to beat on paper.
Kansas race history
Kansas Speedway has hosted the Cup Series postseason race slot seven times. Jimmie Johnson leads all drivers with three wins in the fourth playoff race. Joey Logano has the most among current Chase drivers in that spot with two victories. Logano also leads active drivers in Kansas postseason races overall with three wins. Hendrick Motorsports leads all organizations with seven victories in the fourth playoff race. With Larson, Hamlin, Elliott and Logano all carrying strong Kansas résumés, the race brings both current standings pressure and a track history that keeps repeating itself.
Kansas broadcast details
The Hollywood Casino 400 is the 30th event of the season and the fourth race of the playoffs after the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. It also opens a stretch of three 1.5-mile tracks over the next four weeks, so the result can set the tone for the next phase of the playoff schedule. Thirty-six drivers are entered, which leaves the field packed and the margin for mistakes tight. The race will air on USA Network, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fans will have TV coverage and two radio options. With Larson on top of the standings, Hamlin close behind and several Kansas winners in the mix, the race comes with both immediate playoff value and longer-range schedule importance. Kansas does not just fill a slot. It can change the shape of the chase quickly.
