After a dominant performance by Kyle Larson at Bristol Motor Speedway, the first round of the playoffs came to a close. Now NASCAR’s best head to Kansas for the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400 as they hope to advance to the third round.
In the spring Kansas produced an incredible finish with the aforementioned Larson beating Chris Buescher in the closest finish in NASCAR history. Will Larson repeat at Kansas or can another playoff driver advance to the third round? Let’s dive into the playoff picture first.
Playoff Picture Heading Into the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400
- Kyle Larson +39
- Christopher Bell +24
- Tyler Reddick +20
- William Byron +20
- Ryan Blaney +11
- Denny Hamlin +7
- Chase Elliott +6
- Joey Logano +4
- Austin Cindric -4
- Daniel Suarez -6
- Alex Bowman -7
- Chase Briscoe -7
For this round of the NASCAR playoffs, I expect the bottom four as they run to remain the same with one exception. I think Alex Bowman has a chip on his shoulder given the recent HMS rumors and will run well enough to bump Joey Logano below the cutline.
The finish was electric, but there was good racing throughout the field in our last visit to @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/viapkeKjmq
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 27, 2024
As ever, the unpredictable nature of NASCAR action can create upsets (like Martin Truex Jr. failing to advance from the last round) but we persist anyway. Keep an eye on William Byron’s recent run of bad luck as well.
2024 Hollywood Casino Entry List
The most notable change in the entry list this week comes courtesy of a trade between Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports. Corey LaJoie moves over to the #51 for RWR while Justin Haley takes over the #7 for Spire.
The other entry list change of note comes courtesy of former champion Jimmie Johnson making another start in the #84 for Legacy Motor Club. JJ Yeley also makes an appearance in the #44.
2024 Hollywood Casino 400 Race Odds and Predictions
Unsurprisingly, Kyle Larson comes in with the best odds to win after his performance earlier this year. The driver of the #5 has +320 odds to win. Behind Larson comes Denny Hamlin at +550 and Tyler Reddick at +650.
That pass was special.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 27, 2024
The celebration? Next-level. 👏 pic.twitter.com/8PZUHqfB7I
As for my official race winner pick for this weekend, I’m going to take Ryan Blaney at +1400. I think the driver of the #12 will come in and perform well.
We should see an exciting race on Sunday after a supremely disappointing Bristol race. This car runs best on this type of track, a welcome boon for NASCAR fans after the previous week’s snoozer.
Be sure to check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action from the weekend. We’ve got a jam-packed calendar with ARCA, Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup all on the docket for the second straight week.
Friday 09/27
Reese’s 150 (ARCA Menards Series) – 4:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Kubota Tractor 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 7:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 09/28
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 10:35 a.m. CT on NBC Sports Streaming
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 12:45 a.m. CT on NBC Sports Streaming
Kansas Lottery 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 3:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 09/29
Hollywood Casino 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on USA
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