Hollywood Casino 400

The Hollywood Casino 400 (known for sponsorship reasons as the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET) is a NASCAR Cup Series stock car race held annually at Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) tri-oval intermediate speedway located in Kansas City, Kansas.^[1][2] The event covers a distance of 400.5 miles (644.5 km) over 267 laps and features three stages, with progressive banking in the turns (17–20 degrees) and straights (9–11 degrees frontstretch, 5 degrees backstretch), making it a challenging venue for high-speed racing and frequent passing opportunities.^[1] Since 2011, Hollywood Casino has served as the title sponsor, reflecting a long-term partnership with Penn National Gaming that was extended in 2020 and recently enhanced with ESPN BET as a presenting sponsor.^[3][4] The race originated in 2001 as the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway, then titled the Protection One 400, which was won by Jeff Gordon, who held off Ryan Newman in the closing laps.^[2][5] Over its history, the fall Kansas race has undergone several name changes tied to evolving sponsorships, including the Kansas Lottery 400 and others, before adopting its current branding; it has produced memorable moments, such as the closest finish in Cup Series history in the 2024 spring race at the track (AdventHealth 400), where Kyle Larson edged Chris Buescher by 0.001 seconds.^[3] As a cornerstone of the postseason, the Hollywood Casino 400 is the second race in the Round of 12 during the 16-driver playoff format, where points battles and eliminations intensify competition among title contenders.^[6] Denny Hamlin holds the record for the most victories at Kansas Speedway with four wins in the Cup Series, underscoring his dominance on the track's layout that favors strong restarts and fuel strategy.^[1] Other notable multiple winners include Jeff Gordon (three), Jimmie Johnson (three), and Kyle Busch (three), highlighting the track's appeal to veteran drivers skilled in intermediate ovals.^[7] The 2025 edition, held on September 28, exemplified the race's intensity, as Chase Elliott surged from third on the final lap of overtime to secure his second win of the season and 21st career victory, advancing him confidently to the Round of 8 amid a field of 38 cars.^[8][6] This event consistently draws large crowds and high television ratings, contributing to Kansas Speedway's status as a modern NASCAR staple since its opening in 2001.^[2]

Background and History

Origins and Establishment

The Hollywood Casino 400 traces its origins to the development of Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval track in Kansas City, Kansas, constructed by the International Speedway Corporation with groundbreaking in May 1999 and completion in early 2001.^[2] The track's inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event, then known as the Protection One 400, was held on September 30, 2001, marking Kansas Speedway's entry into the top-tier series and expanding NASCAR's footprint into the Midwest.^[9] Jeff Gordon won the 267-lap, 400.5-mile race for Hendrick Motorsports, leading the final 22 laps after a caution-filled afternoon that saw 18 lead changes among nine drivers.^[10] This victory highlighted the track's immediate competitiveness, drawing a crowd of over 90,000 spectators to the new venue.^[2] Early years of the race presented logistical challenges, particularly with weather-related disruptions. In 2007, during the LifeLock 400, persistent rain caused two red-flag delays totaling nearly three hours, pushing the event into twilight conditions. Officials shortened the race to 210 laps—about 315 miles—due to impending darkness, with Greg Biffle claiming the win for Roush Fenway Racing after conserving fuel during the chaotic final stint.^[11] This incident underscored the vulnerabilities of scheduling a fall race in the region's unpredictable climate, influencing future adjustments to start times and contingency plans for the event.^[12] A significant evolution occurred in 2017 with NASCAR's introduction of the three-stage format across all Cup Series races, including the Hollywood Casino 400, to enhance competition and viewer engagement. The structure divided the 400-mile distance into three segments—Stage 1 (80 laps), Stage 2 (80 laps), and the Final Stage (107 laps)—awarding playoff and regular-season points to the top-10 finishers in each stage.^[13] From its debut, this format transformed race strategy at Kansas Speedway, prompting teams to adopt more aggressive pit and passing tactics to secure stage points, as evidenced by Martin Truex Jr.'s dominant performance that year, where he swept both stages en route to victory.^[14] The change immediately increased on-track action, with the 2017 edition featuring 14 lead changes and multiple late-race battles for position.^[15]

Sponsorship Evolution

The sponsorship history of the Hollywood Casino 400, originally established as a NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway in 2001, reflects a series of title sponsorship changes that have shaped its commercial identity and contributed to the track's economic viability. These evolutions began with security-focused branding and shifted toward consumer goods and entertainment sectors, aligning with broader NASCAR trends in corporate partnerships. Each sponsor's tenure influenced event promotion, fan engagement, and revenue streams for the speedway, which relies on such deals to offset operational costs and enhance regional tourism. The inaugural sponsorship came from Protection One, a home security company, which titled the race the Protection One 400 from 2001 to 2002. This partnership emphasized safety and protection themes in marketing, coinciding with the track's early years when NASCAR sought to build attendance in the Midwest market. Following this, Banquet, a ConAgra Foods brand, took over as title sponsor for the Banquet 400 from 2003 to 2006, introducing food and family-oriented branding that targeted casual fans and integrated promotional tie-ins like product sampling at the venue. In 2007, LifeLock, an identity theft protection service, sponsored the LifeLock 400, focusing on digital security amid rising consumer concerns over online privacy. The 2008 edition was backed by Camping World, an RV retailer, under the Camping World RV 400 presented by Coleman, which leveraged the event's outdoor appeal to promote recreational vehicles and camping lifestyles. From 2009 to 2010, Price Chopper, a regional supermarket chain, held the title for the Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods, emphasizing local economic ties and grocery promotions to boost community involvement in Kansas City. A pivotal shift occurred in 2011 when Hollywood Casino assumed title sponsorship, renaming the race the Hollywood Casino 400—a deal initially structured as a 10-year agreement that has since become one of NASCAR's longest-running track-specific partnerships. This change aligned closely with the opening of the adjacent Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in February 2012, a $411 million facility developed by Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming) in a joint venture with the speedway. The sponsorship enhanced the event's branding by integrating gaming and entertainment elements, such as casino-themed activations and cross-promotions that drew visitors for both racing and gambling, thereby amplifying economic impact through increased overnight stays and spending in the area. Further extensions, including a 2020 renewal through 2026 and recent additions like "presented by ESPN BET" starting in 2024, underscore Penn Entertainment's deepening ties to NASCAR, positioning the race as a flagship for their sports betting and omni-channel gaming strategy. These developments have solidified the event's identity as a high-stakes spectacle, blending motorsport with modern leisure industries to sustain long-term commercial appeal.

Venue and Track

Kansas Speedway Overview

Kansas Speedway is a motorsports facility located in Kansas City, Kansas, within Wyandotte County, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Kansas City at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 435.^[16][17] Construction of the 1.5-mile tri-oval track began on May 25, 1999, under the development of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), with the venue officially opening on June 2, 2001, after delays due to weather and local lawsuits.^[18] The speedway was designed to bring NASCAR racing to the Midwest, featuring progressive banking of 17-20 degrees in the turns following a 2012 repaving that enhanced the racing surface.^[19] The facility offers permanent seating for 48,000 spectators, along with luxury suites and extensive camping options across more than 10 campgrounds for tents and RVs.^[20] Adjacent to the track is the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2012 and provides gaming, dining, and entertainment amenities, including over 1,500 slot machines and 35 table games.^[21] Kansas Speedway serves as a key venue for multiple NASCAR series, hosting events in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series annually.^[2] Originally owned and operated by ISC, the speedway became part of NASCAR's portfolio in 2019 following NASCAR's $2 billion acquisition and merger with ISC, consolidating ownership of several prominent tracks.^[22][23] Since its opening, Kansas Speedway has acted as an economic anchor for the region, spurring approximately $4 billion in surrounding development and establishing Kansas City, Kansas, as a motorsport hub through tourism, events, and related infrastructure growth.^[24][25]

Track Specifications and Layout

The Kansas Speedway features a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) tri-oval track with a D-shaped layout, consisting of a frontstretch, backstretch, and four turns that facilitate high-speed intermediate racing dynamics.^[26] The track surface is asphalt, originally laid in 2001 upon the venue's opening, and repaved in 2012 to address pavement degradation while introducing progressive banking for enhanced side-by-side competition.^[19][27] The turns have variable banking ranging from 17 to 20 degrees, allowing drivers to select optimal racing lines based on grip and speed; the frontstretch is banked at 9 to 11 degrees, while the backstretch sits at a consistent 5 degrees.^[26] Track widths vary to support multi-car drafting: 72 feet in the turns, 60 feet along the 2,721-foot frontstretch, and 50 feet on the 2,207-foot backstretch.^[18] These dimensions, combined with the progressive banking adjustments from the 2012 repave, create extended passing zones, particularly entering and exiting the turns, where aerodynamic efficiency and tire wear become critical factors in race strategy.^[27] The Hollywood Casino 400 utilizes the full 1.5-mile circuit for a total race distance of 400.5 miles, completed over 267 laps, emphasizing the track's aero-dependent nature on its relatively flat intermediate profile, which demands precise setups to manage downforce and prevent excessive wear on the low-profile tires.^[1][26]

Race Format and Procedures

Event Weekend Schedule

The Hollywood Casino 400 weekend at Kansas Speedway follows the standard NASCAR Cup Series playoff format, featuring practice and qualifying sessions, support series races, and culminating in the main event on Sunday afternoon. This structure allows teams to prepare for the high-stakes playoff race while providing fans with a full slate of on-track action and off-track entertainment over three days. In recent years, including 2025, the event has been scheduled for late September to align with the Cup Series playoffs Round of 12. For the 2025 edition held September 26-28, activities began on Friday with ARCA Menards Series sessions, transitioned to Xfinity Series and Cup Series preparations on Saturday, and concluded with the 267-lap Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET, broadcast on the USA Network with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The race distance covers 400.5 miles on the 1.5-mile intermediate track, with start times adjusted for Eastern Time to accommodate national audiences. Weather delays or playoff scheduling can occasionally shift timings, but the event has consistently been a daytime affair since its early iterations.^[28][1] Ancillary events enhance the fan experience, including fan zones with interactive displays, behind-the-scenes access, and a festival-like atmosphere starting Saturday morning. Pre-race ceremonies on Sunday feature driver introductions, a red carpet walk, and commands to start engines around 2:45 p.m. ET, often incorporating Hollywood Casino sponsorship elements such as promotional activations and gaming-themed entertainment in the infield. A Pre-Race Pass provides exclusive access to these festivities, including pit road walks and concerts. Gates typically open at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with parking lots accessible from 8:00 a.m.^[29][30][31]

Stage Structure and Rules

The Hollywood Casino 400 adheres to the NASCAR Cup Series' three-stage race format, which was introduced across all national series in 2017 to enhance competition and strategic depth by dividing races into distinct segments with points opportunities.^[32] This structure applies to the 267-lap event at Kansas Speedway, covering a total distance of 400.5 miles on the 1.5-mile tri-oval track. Stage 1 spans the first 80 laps, Stage 2 runs from laps 81 to 165 (85 laps), and the Final Stage encompasses laps 166 to 267 (102 laps). At the conclusion of Stages 1 and 2, the top 10 drivers receive stage points awarded on a descending scale of 10 points for first place down to 1 point for 10th place, influencing overall standings and playoff positioning.^[33][34] Caution periods during the race trigger double-file restarts, a procedure implemented in the Cup Series starting in 2009 to bunch the field more tightly and promote side-by-side racing. The race leader serves as the control vehicle and selects either the inside or outside lane, with the rest of the field lining up behind in double file; drivers in positions third through last often have a "choose" option to select their preferred lane in non-road course and non-superspeedway events. If a caution flag waves in the Final Stage with two or fewer laps remaining in the scheduled distance, overtime rules activate, extending the race to a green-white-checkered finish that continues until a caution-free two-lap restart is completed, potentially adding multiple laps to ensure a green-flag conclusion.^[35][36] Additional operational rules govern pit stops and safety, including a strict pit road speed limit of 45 mph enforced via electronic timing loops, with violations typically resulting in a pass-through penalty (requiring the driver to re-enter the pits at reduced speed and serve an extra lap) or a stop-and-go penalty during caution periods. Penalties for loose wheels—such as a lug nut detaching on pit road or a wheel coming off the car on the track—include immediate stop-and-go servicing if addressed before the restart, or more severe measures like two-lap penalties, crew member suspensions, and fines if the issue leads to an uncontrolled tire on the racing surface. The stage format significantly impacts fuel and tire strategies, as teams frequently schedule pit stops just before stage ends to optimize track position and stage points while conserving resources for the longer Final Stage, where tire wear and fuel mileage become critical factors in playoff scenarios with heightened elimination risks for underperforming drivers.^[37][38][39]

Playoff Significance

Role in NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

The Hollywood Casino 400 holds a key position in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs as the second race of the Round of 12, serving as the fourth overall playoff event following the three races of the Round of 16.^[40] Held at Kansas Speedway, an intermediate oval that tests car setup and driver skill on high-banked turns, the race typically occurs in late September, with the 2025 edition scheduled for September 28 immediately after the Round of 16 finale at Bristol Motor Speedway.^[1] This placement makes it a pivotal midpoint in the round, where drivers aim to accumulate points or secure a win to buffer against potential setbacks in the subsequent race at the Charlotte Roval.^[41] Under the playoff format established in 2014, the Hollywood Casino 400 contributes directly to the points standings that determine advancement from the Round of 12 to the Round of 8, with the top eight drivers progressing while the bottom four are eliminated after the round's third race. A victory awards 60 playoff points, which are added to a driver's base of 2,000 points plus any carryover from prior rounds, emphasizing the race's strategic importance for gaining a substantial lead. Points reset for advancing drivers at the start of each subsequent round, heightening the pressure to perform at intermediate tracks like Kansas, where success can build momentum for similar venues later in the postseason. Kansas Speedway has hosted NASCAR Cup Series playoff races since the inaugural Chase format in 2004, with appearances in 2004, 2005, 2011, and 2013. It joined the revamped 2014 playoff structure as part of the Challenger Round (now Round of 16), transitioning from a regular-season event in other years to a high-stakes playoff fixture.^[42][43] Over the years, the track's role has varied, including stints in the Round of 16 (2022–2023) and Round of 8 (2021), but its intermediate layout has consistently influenced playoff outcomes by rewarding teams adept at managing tire wear and speed on 1.5-mile ovals.^[43] Historically, the race has been the site of direct eliminations in years when it served as the Round of 12 finale, such as 2017 (eliminating Kyle Larson and Matt Kenseth), 2018 (eliminating Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman), and 2019 (eliminating four contenders including Kurt Busch).^[44][45][46]

Notable Playoff Performances

The Hollywood Casino 400 has produced several iconic playoff victories that shaped championship contention. In 2014, Joey Logano secured his fifth win of the season by edging Kyle Larson by 0.480 seconds in the race's final laps, clinching his advancement to the Chase's third round and bolstering his championship bid as a rising contender.^[47][48] More recently, Chase Elliott delivered a dramatic 2025 triumph for Hendrick Motorsports, surging from eighth to first on the final lap of a double-overtime finish (Lap 273) to defeat Denny Hamlin by 0.069 seconds, automatically advancing him to the Round of 8 and providing crucial momentum for his team's playoff drivers.^[6][49] Overtime extensions have often amplified the race's intensity during the playoffs. Denny Hamlin claimed victory in the 2019 edition after two overtimes extended the event to 277 laps, leading 153 laps and holding off Chase Elliott by 0.128 seconds to secure his fifth win of the year while advancing to the Round of 8.^[50][51] Similarly, the 2023 race went into overtime following a late caution from Chris Buescher's right-rear tire failure with five laps remaining, allowing Tyler Reddick to charge from fifth to first and win by 0.327 seconds over Hamlin, propelling Reddick into the Round of 12.^[52][53] Upsets and mechanical challenges have also defined key playoff moments at Kansas. Joey Logano's 2020 win unfolded amid widespread tire troubles, as Denny Hamlin—leading 58 laps—scraped the wall and suffered right-rear tire damage while running in the top five, dropping him a lap down and enabling Logano to edge Kevin Harvick for the victory and secure a Championship 4 berth.^[54] In 2019, the overtime chaos contributed to Brad Keselowski's elimination from title contention after a late-race wreck left him 29th, while Chase Elliott barely advanced on playoff points over Keselowski, highlighting the race's role in tight standings battles.^[55] Since the race's integration into the modern playoff format in 2014, winners have frequently been championship contenders, with eight of the 11 editions captured by drivers who advanced deep into the postseason or earned significant playoff points to resolve ties in later rounds.^[56]

Winners and Records

List of Past Winners

The Hollywood Casino 400, the fall NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway, has been held annually since the track's debut in 2001, comprising 25 editions through 2025. Originally titled the Protection One 400, the event's name has evolved with sponsorship changes, reflecting shifts in title sponsors such as Banquet, Price Chopper, and Hollywood Casino since 2011. The race is scheduled for 267 laps on the 1.5-mile intermediate track, covering 400.5 miles, though variations have occurred due to weather or playoff overtime procedures introduced in 2004 and expanded in 2017.^[57] In 2007, the race was shortened to 210 laps (300 miles) after rain delayed the start and persisted throughout the event.^[57] Overtime extensions, triggered by late cautions requiring green-white-checkered finishes, have affected five editions: 2011 (272 laps), 2015 (269 laps), 2019 (277 laps), 2023 (268 laps), and 2025 (273 laps).^[6][18] The following table summarizes all past winners and key race details, including the driver's starting position, laps led, pole sitter, time of race, average speed, and margin of victory where verifiably documented; comprehensive per-race data is drawn from official NASCAR records. Corrections have been applied to starting positions and laps led based on verified sources.^[57][6]

Multiple Victories and Achievements

Several drivers have achieved multiple victories in the Hollywood Casino 400, highlighting their prowess on the 1.5-mile intermediate track. Joey Logano holds the record with three wins in 2014, 2015, and 2020, all driving the No. 22 Ford for Team Penske.^[58] Other drivers with two victories each include Jeff Gordon (2001, 2002), Tony Stewart (2006, 2009), Greg Biffle (2007, 2010), Jimmie Johnson (2008, 2011), Kevin Harvick (2013, 2016), and Chase Elliott (2018, 2025).^[59] Team achievements underscore organizational dominance at Kansas Speedway's fall event. Hendrick Motorsports leads with seven wins: 2001 and 2002 (Jeff Gordon), 2008 and 2011 (Jimmie Johnson), 2018 and 2025 (Chase Elliott), and 2021 (Kyle Larson).^[60] RFK Racing and Team Penske each have four victories; RFK's triumphs came in 2005 (Mark Martin), 2007 and 2010 (Greg Biffle), and 2012 (Matt Kenseth), while Penske's include 2003 (Ryan Newman), and Logano's three wins from 2014 to 2020.^[59][58] Manufacturer dominance has favored Chevrolet throughout the race's history, with 13 victories compared to Ford's seven, Toyota's four, and Dodge's single win in 2003. Chevrolet secured five of the first eight editions from 2001 to 2008, establishing early control before Ford and later Toyota gained ground in the 2010s.^[59][61] Notable records include Jimmie Johnson's 197 laps led in his 2011 victory, the highest by a winner in race history. For pole positions, Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson each hold three awards, the most in the event (Kahne in 2006, 2010, and 2012; Johnson in 2003, 2007, and 2008).^[56][62]