Kansas Speedway

Track Info

Location	Kansas City, Kansas
Type	Tri-Oval (Intermediate)
Length	1.5 miles (2.414 km)
Banking	15 degrees in turns (variable), 10.4 degrees on frontstretch, 5 degrees on backstretch
Surface	Asphalt
Capacity	~48,000
Opened	2001

Track Characteristics

Kansas Speedway is a modern 1.5-mile tri-oval that was designed with progressive banking in the turns, varying from 15 degrees at the bottom to 17 degrees at the top. This variable banking allows cars to take multiple lines through the corners, promoting side-by-side racing and strategic decision-making about where to run on the track.

The wide racing surface and relatively gentle banking make Kansas a track where tire management and aerodynamic balance are critical. Long green-flag runs often separate the field, and teams that can manage tire wear while maintaining speed over extended stretches tend to perform best. The wind that sweeps across the Kansas plains is a constant factor, affecting both car handling and pit stop strategy.

Kansas underwent a repave in 2012 that significantly changed the racing characteristics. The smooth new surface initially reduced passing, but as the track has aged and worn in, multi-groove racing has returned. The D-shaped backstretch creates slightly different corner characteristics from end to end, rewarding drivers who can adapt their style throughout the lap.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Kansas City International Airport (MCI) - approximately 20 miles north.
Nearest City	Kansas City, KS. The track is located in the Village West entertainment district alongside the Legends shopping center and Sporting KC's stadium.

Series That Race Here

• NASCAR Cup Series - One race per year
• NASCAR Xfinity Series
• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

2026 NASCAR Event Info

Cup Race	AdventHealth 400
Date	May 3, 2026
TV	FOX

Track Records

Qualifying Record	Ryan Blaney - 191.872 mph (2024)
Race Record	Jeff Gordon - 151.769 mph (2001)

Notable Past Races

• 2001: Jeff Gordon won the inaugural Cup race at Kansas Speedway, the Protection One 400, leading the field to the checkered flag at the brand-new facility.
• 2011: A late-race restart produced a thrilling finish as Matt Kenseth held off a charging pack of cars to win the Hollywood Casino 400.
• 2018: Chase Elliott scored a dramatic overtime win at Kansas that helped propel him to his first Cup Series championship.
• 2023: Denny Hamlin won a wild overtime finish after multiple late-race cautions created chaos in the closing laps.

Track Facts

• Kansas Speedway was built on what was once a U.S. Army ammunition production facility, and some of the original bunkers are still visible on the property.
• The track was designed by International Speedway Corporation and modeled after some of the best features of Chicago, Las Vegas, and other modern 1.5-mile tracks.
• The Village West entertainment district surrounding the speedway includes restaurants, shopping, and a baseball stadium, making race weekend a full entertainment experience.

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