Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart, has expressed strong confidence about the upcoming Round of 12 opener at Kansas Speedway, describing it as “one of their very best tracks.” However, he is also aware that Kyle Larson considers the Kansas oval one of his strongholds as well. As a result, Gabehart anticipates a fierce competition between the two teams, comparing it to a “war” on the track, and he is eagerly looking forward to the challenge.
As the playoffs unfold, the pressure intensifies with eight drivers set to advance after this three-race slate. The competition is sure to heat up at Kansas, where Denny Hamlin enters the Hollywood Casino 400 in sixth place, holding a 7-point advantage over the cut line. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson leads the playoff standings with a significant 39-point cushion.
Gabehart’s comments reflect the high stakes of the race. He noted, “Kansas is one of our very best tracks. It’s one of Larson’s very best tracks. I fully expect it to be a war, and I’m looking forward to it.” His enthusiasm for the competition highlights the rivalry between Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, with both teams eager to assert their dominance on the 1.5-mile oval.
Both Hamlin and Larson have emerged as formidable contenders in the Next Gen cars since their introduction to the Cup Series in 2022. Hamlin has already notched one win this season and has an impressive streak of five consecutive top-5 finishes. Larson, on the other hand, famously held off Chris Buescher in the regular-season race, winning by a razor-thin margin of just 0.001 seconds. As the defending winner, Larson enters the Round of 12 as a strong favorite but is still one top-5 finish shy of Hamlin’s tally.
Their shared history at Kansas reflects their strong performances over the years. Denny Hamlin has established himself as a master of the Kansas Speedway, having claimed four victories and achieved three runner-up finishes since his debut in 2005. In contrast, Larson made his first appearance at Kansas in 2014 and has celebrated two wins, three second-place finishes, and six podiums during his tenure.
Larson’s journey into the playoffs has been marked by ups and downs. He faced a rough start in the playoffs opener at Atlanta, where he lost control of his car, leading to a DNF after a hard impact with the outside wall. However, Larson rebounded with a solid P12 finish at Watkins Glen, followed by a commanding performance at Bristol, where he led a staggering 462 laps en route to victory.
On the other hand, Hamlin’s path through the playoffs has been fraught with challenges. His playoff journey has been less smooth, with disappointing finishes of P24 at Atlanta and P23 at Watkins Glen, prompting him to adopt a defensive strategy. Nevertheless, Hamlin found his footing at the ‘World’s Fastest Half-Mile,’ finishing fourth and placing him sixth in the playoff standings.
The competitive dynamics between Hamlin and Larson have drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. Larson himself acknowledged the impressive track record both drivers share at Kansas during an appearance on the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast. He stated, “I think Kansas just suits both of us well; we’ve both run well there our whole careers with different cars and aero packages and horsepower packages, all of that. Something about it just suits our driving style.” He further recognized Hamlin’s strengths, saying, “Currently, we are both really good, and Denny, I would say, will be the best there. His car is just really, really good, and he does a good job managing it. So, he’ll for sure be the one to beat.”
As the Round of 12 opener approaches, anticipation builds for this highly competitive race. Both Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are not just chasing victories; they are also aiming for the coveted Cup Series championship. While Hamlin seeks his first title, Larson is determined to secure his second after winning it all in 2021. The rivalry between these two talented drivers promises to deliver an exciting race at Kansas, where each will give their all in the battle for playoff supremacy.
With the playoff pressure mounting and the stakes at an all-time high, the Kansas Speedway is set to become the backdrop for an epic showdown, where the skills, strategies, and determination of Hamlin and Larson will be put to the test. The NASCAR community eagerly awaits what is sure to be a thrilling race filled with intense competition and high drama.
