With 30 laps to go in the Hollywood Casino 400, Kevin Harvick used the last restart to take the lead from Carl Edwards and never looked back.
“The last restart was the key to getting into victory lane,” Harvick said. “Clean air really made a big difference for us.”
The fourth victory of the year for the No. 4 car was quite possibly the most important win of the season for Harvick. Harvick finished 38th last week at Charlotte and was sitting in last place in the standings for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Now, Harvick can rest easy knowing he’s solidified his spot in the Round of 8.
“For us, it’s always about reaching something to motivate us,” Harvick said. “We know we can perform in good and bad situations.”
With a victory at Kansas on his mind, he fulfilled his goal for the weekend, getting his second career Sprint Cup victory at the track.
Despite leading 61 of the final 94 laps, Edwards was denied again from Kansas Speedway’s victory lane and was the runner-up.
“It’s tough,” said Edwards about coming close to winning at his home track. “There’s so many people that have come to this racetrack that support me and have supported me. It’s a really special place for me. As much fun as I had racing up front, yeah, it stings. That’s just the way it goes.”
Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch rounded out the Top Five in the Hollywood Casino 400. The seven remaining Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers finished in the following positions: Austin Dillon, sixth; Matt Kenseth, ninth; Martin Truex Jr., 11th; Denny Hamlin, 15th; Chase Elliot, 31st; and, Brad Keselowski, 38th.
Logano and Dillon are both tied for the eighth position in the Chase standings, the final position that qualifies for the Round of 8. In addition to Logano and Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott are in the bottom five and are in danger of not advancing to the Round of 8 in the Chase.
Racing returns to Kansas Speedway in 2017. Season ticket renewals are currently being accepted. Fans looking to purchase season tickets can call 866-460-7223.
General parking is free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.
