NASCAR Cup Series Practice Report: Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, KS – Ty Gibbs emerged as the fastest driver during NASCAR Cup Series practice at Kansas Speedway, clocking a top speed of 180.144 mph (29.976s). However, his session was marred by a left rear tire failure.
Gibbs led a competitive field, with Michael McDowell following closely in second at 179.456 mph. Alex Bowman finished third with a lap of 179.378 mph, while Bubba Wallace and William Byron rounded out the top five at 179.342 mph and 179.319 mph, respectively. Tyler Reddick, Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, and Ross Chastain completed the top ten, showcasing a tightly contested practice session.
Defending Kansas winner Kyle Larson demonstrated strong performance, ranking first in five, ten, and fifteen lap averages, while Byron held the best twenty-lap average. Jesse Love, making another Cup Series start for Richard Childress Racing, placed 15th, whereas Denny Hamlin finished 25th but was noted as the fastest in the 25-lap average.
The session was not without challenges, as multiple drivers, including Brad Keselowski, Shane van Gisbergen, and Chase Briscoe, also suffered left rear tire failures. Zane Smith faced a right rear tire issue, resulting in contact with the Turn 4 wall.
With 38 teams entered for Sunday’s race, teams are keenly focused on tire management and performance as they prepare for the competitive environment at Kansas Speedway.
