Carl Edwards has been confirmed to drive the pace car for the NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway this weekend. This legendary appearance comes as Edwards is about to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2025, an honor that confirms his illustrious career within the sport.
Edwards’ selection as the honorary pace car driver feels like a natural fit considering his history at Kansas Speedway. Back in 2004, Edwards claimed victory in the Kansas Truck Series race, still his only win in the NASCAR national series at this track. Over 19 starts in the Cup Series at Kansas, he maintained an impressive average finish of 10.15, cementing his reputation as a formidable competitor at this venue.
“Edwards will have a clear view of the track out in front of the Cup Series field on Sunday,” said an insider.
“Carl is one of the most personable superstars in our sport’s modern history and is certainly a fan-favorite here at Kansas Speedway,” added Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren.
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“We’re thrilled he can join us for what should be an electrifying race to open the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs’ Round of 12 and serve as the honorary pace car driver.”
The weekend’s events are a bustling lineup of motorsport action, featuring races across the ARCA, Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series. The ARCA and Truck doubleheader kicked the weekend off yesterday, with more thrilling races to follow today and Sunday. The Hollywood Casino 400 marks the beginning of the Round of 12 in the Cup Series Playoffs. This stage of the playoffs sees drivers battling for key spots in the Round of 8, currently.
This Kansas campaign has a reputation for delivering plenty of action, particularly now drivers are using the Next Gen car. Previous races, including a memorable duel between Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher, have cemented Kansas Speedway as a fan-favorite venue for some of the most exciting finishes of the season.
Friday, September 27
1.10pm ET: ARCA Menards Series – Practice
2.10pm ET: ARCA Menards Series – Qualifying
3.30pm ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Practice
4pm ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Qualifying
5.30pm ET: ARCA Menards Series – Reese’s 150
8.30pm ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Kubota Tractor 200
Saturday, September 28
11.05am ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Practice
11.35am ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Qualifying
1.05pm ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice
1.45pm ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying
4pm ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Kansas Lottery 300
Sunday, September 29
3pm ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET