Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Kyle Larson
Kansas Fantasy Outlook – Kyle Larson is an exceptional talent at Kansas, making him a formidable contender. He claimed victory in spring and maintains an impressive average finish of 2.3 across his last three races at this venue, the best in the series. This year, Larson has dominated on high-speed 1.5-mile tracks, winning at both this location and Las Vegas, and was in a strong position at Texas until he suffered a wheel failure while in the lead during a caution. When it comes to Total Speed Rankings for high-speed 1.5-mile tracks in 2024, Larson shares the top spot with Denny Hamlin.
Kansas Track History – At Kansas, Larson’s performance stands out substantially. In the Next Gen car, he has the second-best average finish (3.2), the best average running position (6.4), and the top driver rating. In the recent spring race, he showcased his strengths by clinching victory with a dramatic last-lap pass. His race stats include a 3rd place finish in Stage #1, a 2nd place in Stage #2, an impressive average running position of 2.8, and 63 laps led, resulting in the highest driver rating. Before a late race caution, he seemed set to finish around the third spot. Last fall, Larson exhibited speed, finishing 4th but arguably performing better than his result indicated. During that race, an unfortunate restart in the second position on older tires dropped him to around 20th. He won Stage #1, led 99 laps, and achieved the 3rd best Total Speed Ranking. Last spring, Larson appeared to be heading for victory until Denny Hamlin took him out on the final lap. He led 85 laps in that race and ranked 2nd for Speed Late In A Run while securing the 3rd best Total Speed Ranking. His results at Kansas in 2022 were 2nd and 8th.
Denny Hamlin
Kansas Fantasy Outlook – Denny Hamlin has established himself as a top-tier competitor at Kansas and is likely a key figure in the upcoming battle for victory.
The last three races at Kansas have seen Denny Hamlin rank #1 in Total Speed Rankings, and he would likely boast a 3 for 3 record in wins if it weren’t for late cautions in the previous two events. This year, at high-speed 1.5-mile tracks, Hamlin shares the top spot for Total Speed Ranking. Excluding Texas, where he was in contention for victory until chaos ensued and caused a crash, his average finish stands at 6.0.
Kansas Track History – Denny Hamlin is a three-time winner at Kansas and has excelled in the Next Gen series. In this series, he has one win, an impressive 2.8 average finish, the highest Next Gen Speed Ranking, the second-best Driver Rating, and he is the only driver to finish in the top five in all five appearances. Analyzing his recent performances, it’s evident that Hamlin could easily be 3 for 3 in victories. This spring, he showcased his dominance but ultimately ended up in 5th with an asterisk. Hamlin started the race in 14th, won Stage #1, secured 3rd in Stage #2, led for 71 laps, achieved the second-best Driver Rating, and maintained a 6.3 average running position. Had it not been for a late caution, he was well on his way to securing the win. Regarding speed metrics, Hamlin ranked highest in Total Speed Rankings and second for Speed Late In A Run. In 2023, no one performed better, and if there hadn’t been a late caution last fall, he would have completed a season sweep. During the previous fall race, he started 14th, finished 7th in Stage #1, came in 2nd in Stage #2, led for 63 laps, and had a lead of 2.22 seconds just before the late caution was called with about eight laps to go. This situation forced him to restart in 6th place, where he eventually finished 2nd overall. In terms of speed stats, he ranked #1 for both Total Speed Rankings and Speed Late In A Run. Last spring, Hamlin was quick and clinched victory after bumping Larson into the wall on the final lap. In that race, he achieved the best driver rating, recorded the best average running position of 3.6, and led for 34 laps. In 2022, Hamlin placed 2nd and 4th in two races.
Tyler Reddick
Kansas Fantasy Outlook – Keep an eye on Tyler Reddick, last fall’s winner at Kansas, as he is expected to be competitive and quick. While Reddick didn’t perform at his best this spring, he has been an exceptional driver at high-speed intermediate tracks in 2024. He recently claimed victory at Michigan, holds the best average finish of 6.2, the second-highest Driver Rating, and is tied for the second-best Track Type Total Speed Ranking.
Kansas Track History – As the defending fall champion at Kansas, Tyler Reddick hasn’t had the best overall record at this track. In three of his last five races here, he finished 20th or worse. However, he ranks 6th in Next Gen Speed Rankings. This spring, he concluded the race in 20th, but his performance wasn’t as poor as it may seem. Reddick finished 8th in Stage #2 with a 12.5 average running position and achieved the 13th best Total Speed Ranking. It’s likely that he just wasn’t at his peak late in the race, ranking 25th in speed during the final segment. Last fall, Reddick had a strong car, capitalizing on a late restart to clinch victory. He finished 6th in Stage #1, 5th in Stage #2, maintained a 5.0 average running position, and led the last two laps. Notably, prior to the late caution, Reddick was running in 2nd place, trailing Denny Hamlin by 2.22 seconds. In the previous spring, he demonstrated strength and finished 9th, leading 23 laps, with an average running position of 8.3 and the 10th best Total Speed Ranking. In 2022, Reddick was competitive in both races, displaying top-5 potential but ultimately finished in the 30s twice. In the fall of 2022, he started on the pole and led for 38 laps before crashing hard into the wall on lap 65, resulting in a 35th place finish.
In 2022, Reddick was a strong contender, placing among the top five, yet he ultimately finished in a misleading 30th position. During the race, Reddick led for 24 laps and secured 4th place in Stage #1. However, in Stage #2, on lap 113, while running in 4th, debris on his grill caused him to crash into the wall. A few laps later, he hit the wall again, which resulted in an unanticipated pit stop that significantly impacted his race.
Portions of this content are hidden. To view this ifantasyrace advantage content log in or join the site
Make sure you read the full spectrum of our Kansas Fantasy NASCAR Rankings
Top Tier Elite Picks > Front Runners Rankings > Mid Pack Predictions & The Low Tier
Related
2024 Kansas Fantasy NASCAR Preview: Top Contenders and Track Insights
Overview of Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway, located in Kansas City, Kansas, is known for its unique 1.5-mile tri-oval track that offers a mix of high-speed turns and strategic racing. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series is set to provide thrilling competition with its return to this venue. Understanding track dynamics, driver performance, and historical data is crucial for fantasy NASCAR players looking to optimize their lineups.
Track Characteristics
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
- Configuration: Tri-oval
- Banking: 17 to 20 degrees in the corners
- Race Length: 267 laps / 400.5 miles
Top Contenders for 2024
As we approach the Kansas race, several drivers emerge as top contenders based on their past performances, current form, and team strategies. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most promising drivers for your fantasy NASCAR lineups:
1. Kyle Larson
With his aggressive driving style and impressive record at intermediate tracks, Kyle Larson is a favorite. In 2023, he finished in the top 5 in both Kansas races, showcasing his ability to adapt to track conditions effectively.
2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is another strong contender, known for his consistent finishes. His experience at Kansas, along with a solid top-10 average finish, makes him a reliable pick.
3. Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott has solidified his reputation as a premier road course driver, but his performance at Kansas has improved significantly. With several top-10 finishes in recent races, he’s a valuable asset for fantasy owners.
4. Kevin Harvick
As one of the veterans in the field, Kevin Harvick knows how to navigate Kansas Speedway. His strategic racing and understanding of tire management make him a dark horse in the upcoming race.
5. William Byron
Byron’s breakthrough performance in 2023 has placed him on the radar as a contender at Kansas. With a strong team behind him, he is expected to capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
Historical Performance Insights
Examining past races at Kansas Speedway provides valuable insights into driver performance trends. Here’s a quick look at the top performers over the last few seasons:
| Driver | 2023 Kansas Finishes | Average Finish (Last 5 Races) |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 2nd, 4th | 3.0 |
| Denny Hamlin | 5th, 3rd | 4.0 |
| Chase Elliott | 6th, 8th | 7.0 |
| Kevin Harvick | 10th, 7th | 8.5 |
| William Byron | 1st, 5th | 3.0 |
Benefits of Understanding Track Dynamics
Being aware of track dynamics and driver performance is crucial for building a successful fantasy NASCAR team. Here are some benefits:
- Informed Decisions: Knowledge of driver strengths on specific tracks allows you to make informed picks.
- Strategic Lineups: Capitalizing on driver momentum and past performance can yield better results.
- Increased Engagement: Understanding the intricacies of the race enhances your overall experience as a fan and player.
Tips for Crafting Your Fantasy Lineup
Building a winning fantasy NASCAR lineup requires strategy and preparation. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Monitor Practice Sessions: Pay attention to practice results leading up to the race. Drivers who are fast in practice often carry that momentum into the race.
- Evaluate Qualifying Performance: A good starting position can significantly impact a driver’s chance of finishing well.
- Check Weather Conditions: Weather can affect track conditions. Rain or high temperatures may alter tire strategies and driver performances.
- Stay Informed: Follow NASCAR news for any last-minute changes or updates regarding driver health or team strategies.
Case Studies: Successful Fantasy Lineups
Examining successful fantasy lineups can provide insights into effective strategies. Consider the following examples from previous Kansas races:
Case Study 1: The 2023 Spring Race
- Winning Lineup: Included Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and William Byron.
- Strategy: Focused on top-tier drivers with consistent finishes at Kansas.
Case Study 2: The 2022 Fall Race
- Winning Lineup: Featured Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick.
- Strategy: Balanced lineup of established veterans and emerging talents.
First-Hand Experience: Racing Insights
As a regular fantasy player, I’ve found that paying attention to driver interviews and team communications can provide surprising insights. Many drivers share their thoughts on track conditions and strategies that can be pivotal for your lineup choices.
Final Thoughts on Kansas 2024
With a full understanding of Kansas Speedway, the top contenders, and effective strategies, you can enhance your fantasy NASCAR experience. Remember to stay updated with the latest news and track performance to make the best lineup decisions.
