Carl Edwards to Drive the Pace Car at NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400
This weekend, the NASCAR community is buzzing with excitement as former driver Carl Edwards has been confirmed to take the wheel of the pace car for the highly anticipated Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. This special appearance comes just ahead of Edwards’ induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2025, a testament to his remarkable career and contributions to the sport.
A Fitting Role for a Kansas Legend
Edwards’ selection as the honorary pace car driver feels like a natural fit, especially considering his storied history at Kansas Speedway. Back in 2004, he celebrated his first and only victory in the NASCAR national series at this very track during the Kansas Truck Series race. Since then, he has made 19 starts in the Cup Series at Kansas, boasting an impressive average finish of 10.15. This record solidifies his reputation as a formidable competitor and a fan favorite at this iconic venue.
A Warm Welcome from Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren expressed enthusiasm about Edwards’ involvement, stating, “Carl is one of the most personable superstars in our sport’s modern history and is certainly a fan-favorite here at Kansas Speedway.” The excitement surrounding Edwards’ return is palpable, as he will have a unique vantage point of the track while leading the Cup Series field on Sunday. An insider noted, “Edwards will have a clear view of the track out in front of the Cup Series field on Sunday,” highlighting the significance of his role during this pivotal race.
A Weekend Packed with Racing Action
The Hollywood Casino 400 marks the beginning of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, a critical stage where drivers vie for key positions to advance to the Round of 8. The weekend is packed with a bustling lineup of motorsport action, featuring races across various series, including ARCA, Truck, Xfinity, and Cup. The festivities kicked off with an ARCA and Truck doubleheader on Friday, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of racing.
The Thrill of Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway has earned a reputation for delivering thrilling action, particularly with the introduction of the Next Gen car. Fans can recall memorable moments from previous races, such as the intense duel between Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher, which showcased the track’s ability to produce some of the most exciting finishes of the season. As the drivers prepare for the Hollywood Casino 400, anticipation is building for another round of nail-biting competition.
Schedule of Events
The weekend’s events are meticulously scheduled to ensure fans enjoy every moment of the racing action. Here’s a breakdown of the key events leading up to the Hollywood Casino 400:
Friday, September 27
- 1:10 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Practice
- 2:10 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Qualifying
- 3:30 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Practice
- 4:00 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Qualifying
- 5:30 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series – Reese’s 150
- 8:30 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Kubota Tractor 200
Saturday, September 28
- 11:05 AM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Practice
- 11:35 AM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Qualifying
- 1:05 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice
- 1:45 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying
- 4:00 PM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Kansas Lottery 300
Sunday, September 29
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET
As the NASCAR community gears up for this thrilling weekend, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Carl Edwards as he takes on the role of pace car driver, adding a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the event. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see what unfolds on the track as the playoffs heat up at Kansas Speedway.
