Martin Truex Jr., the reigning Go Bowling 400 champion, did it again at Kansas Speedway Sunday evening, winning the Hollywood Casino 400 and becoming the first NASCAR driver to win both Kansas Speedway Cup series races in a single year.
After starting on the pole, he led 91 laps en route to his second career Kansas victory.
Truex battled back from a restart violation, which sent him to the back of the pack, and a loose wheel that forced him to make an unscheduled pit stop. The missteps proved tso be no match for Truex, who continues to lead the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series playoff standings.
The win was an emotional one for the Furniture Row Racing team after the loss of crew member James Watson to a heart attack Saturday night.
“James was a friend to everyone and a good worker. He worked on both the 77 and the 78; his hands were on the 78 yesterday preparing it for today. It’s amazing to win this for him and his family,” said Joe Garone, president of Furniture Row Racing.
Truex’s Go Bowling 400 win in May was his first victory at Kansas Speedway and his second of the 2017 season. With the Hollywood Casino 400 win, Truex has now secured seven Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins, the most of any driver in the series.
– Story from Kansas Speedway