KANSAS CITY – September 11, 2022 – Anthony Holbrook
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs took Center Stage in the vicinity of Kansas City, Kansas. The 1.5-mile of Kansas Speedway hosted the Hollywood Casino 400 on a 9/11 Day of Remembrance.
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas Race Recap (Stage 1)
Laps: 80 (1-80 / 267)
Playoff Contenders’ Joey Logano and Alex Bowman respectfully flagged the Hollywood Casino 400 race to green for 267 scheduled laps of stock car racing nestled in the Heartland of Kansas.
NASCAR Cup Champions’ Kevin Harvick was darkened with issues early in the opening Stage 1 while attempting to run with the lead pack. Harvick initially slams the safer barrier wall requiring immediate pit crew attention. After the meltdown in Darlington, Happy’s “Sands in a Hourglass” are very few as the criteria for playoff cutline is extensive.
Richard Childress Racing driver Tyler Redick was introduced to the safer barrier wall on circuit number 66 of Stage 1, inviting a decisive caution flag and strategic strategy’s for those teams willing to take a chance.
Ryan Blaney escorts the field to the pit lane under caution.
Austin Dillon opting for a two tire change circulated Dillion to the front after pit service.
Closing out Stage 1, Austin Dillon and Christopher Bell battle door panel into turn one.
AD runs up the track at Turn 2 allowing the opportunity for C Bell to control the route to Stage 1 Honors.
Kansas Race Results (Stage 1):
Laps: 80 (1-80 / 267)
1. Christopher Bell; 2. Ryan Blaney; 3. Martin Truex Jr; 4. Ricky Stenhouse Jr; 5. Bubba Wallace; 6. Chase Elliott; 7. Kyle Busch; 8. Ross Chastain; 9. Joey Logano; 10. Austin Dillon
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas Race Recap (Stage 2)
Laps: 85 (81-165 / 267)
Chris Bell pilots the field to the pit lane.
Michael McDowell wins the race to the pit exit with a strategic two tire change call.
Aric Almirola gambles and stays out for track position. A decision which could have its variables for Aric.
Martin Truex Jr. rebounding from Stage 1 mishap, muscles past Michael McDowell to take over the lead on Lap 88.
Flat tire repercussions on Lap 110 ends Ricky Stenhouse Jr. day while allowing race teams to restock at pit service.
William Byron owned the preceding restart, followed by collision of carnage including Harrison Burton, Corey LaJoie, Aric Almirola and Erik Jones who tangle up behind Byron the leader.
Final Stage caution involved Kyle Bush’s Toyota spinning down the front stretch while mowing down the grass in the infield. With valuable playoff points available, teams prepare for a Stage 2 Pit Service shootout.
Alex Bowman’s pit crew shines as Bowman benefits onward to Stage 2 Checkers.
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas Race Results (Stage 2)
Laps: 85 (81-165 / 267)
1. Alex Bowman; 2. Christopher Bell; 3. William Byron; 4. Bubba Wallace; 5. Chase Elliott; 6. Denny Hamlin; 7. Kyle Larson; 8. Joey Logano; 9. Ryan Blaney; 10. Ross Chastain
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas Race Recap (Stage 3)
Laps: 102 (166-267 / 267)
Final Stage, Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace run door skin to skin battling into Turn 1. Alex Bowman wins the challenge off Turn 2 and sets sights for the front.
Lap 200, Alex Bowman slides up Turn 4, just enough room for Bubba Wallace to navigate under AlexBowman for the lead.
52 to go, Bubba Wallace enters pits and forfeits his race lead. While other race teams pit for final service, Bubba Wallace is recycled back to the front in just ten laps.
C Bell riding on Wallace’s heels, trails by 3.4 seconds with Owner Denny Hamlin closing in, but running out of real-estate.
Bubba Wallace wins his 2nd career NASCAR Cup Series Trophy at Kansas Speedway!
NASCAR Cup Series
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas Speedway
September 11, 2022