After a week of damaged cars and hurt pride at the “Last Great Colosseum,” teams have no time to rest as they prepare for a totally different challenge in the Midwest. Here is what we learned from Bristol and who to watch for in Kansas.

It’s a Twister: Our Bristol Recap!

Leesl: While we were both watching our rosters, Ty Gibbs was busy stealing the show. He fended off the heavy hitters in overtime to snag his very first career Cup win! 🏁 It’s always a big deal to see a young driver break through, even if he wasn’t driving for Lone Star or Windy City this week.

Andy: I’m not even going to sugarcoat it: Bristol was a total wreck for Windy City Racin’. Having a full team for the first time since the race in Austin was supposed to be a boost, but instead, it was a bust. Alex Bowman qualified poorly and then parked it on lap 160 after a crash. Add in Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott having off-days, and we’re currently looking at a 63-point slide over the last three short tracks.

Leesl: Oh, Andy… you’ve been pining for Bowman to get back in that car for weeks, and now that he’s there, you’re already looking for the receipt! 😂

For those of you keeping score—and I know I am—Lone Star Racin’ is officially on a roll. Last week at Bristol was a high-banked grind, but my team stayed out of trouble! Led by Tyler Reddick, we placed five drivers in the top 11! I’m feeling pretty good with a commanding lead, even if I’m still waiting on Byron and SVG to find their higher gears. 🤠

Buckle Your Seatbelt, Dorothy!

Andy: We’re moving from the short-track “bump and run” to the 1.5-mile tri-oval in Kansas. This track is famous for those heart-stopping, photo-finishes—like back in ’24 when Kyle Larson won by a hair (.001 seconds). I’ve got a feeling the Midwest air is going to do us some good. This is Hendrick territory. I’m rolling with three Hendrick drivers and Ryan Blaney, and I’m hoping my wayward team finally follows the Yellow Brick Road straight to the front. 🎵 (And yes, that’s a musical nod to the band Kansas!)

Leesl: “Wayward” is certainly the right word for your team, Andy! And honestly, after that “musical nod,” I think you might be the one who’s “Dust in the Wind” if you’re counting on Ryan Blaney. 💨

Let’s look at the facts: Blaney’s only win here was back in 2021. Since then, he’s been the definition of inconsistent at this track, including that practice crash and backup car fiasco just last season. 🛠️

While you’re looking for signs in the Midwest air, Lone Star Racin’ is grounded in reality. This track rewards the drivers who can handle high-speed entries, and that is exactly where my roster shines. I’m leaning on Hamlin, Reddick, Wallace, and Chastain—the heavy hitters who consistently find the front at this speedway. We have a 259-point lead for a reason…because my drivers know how to close.

Toto, I’ve Got a Feeling…

Now that we’ve traded the short-track concrete for the Heartland’s high-speed asphalt, it’s time to see who we think actually has the engine to get us home. Here are our predictions for the AdventHealth 400:

• Andy’s Pick: I have to go with Kyle Larson. He’s the powerhouse of Hendrick Motorsports and a multi-time winner here. He’s always tough on these 1.5-mile tracks, and I expect the No. 5 to be the one to beat this weekend.
• Leesl’s Pick: I’m sticking with the record books. Denny Hamlin is the all-time leader in wins at Kansas with four trophies on his mantle. 🏆 He’s sitting 3rd in the season standings and is currently on a hot streak with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Over The Rainbow: Our Current Tally

Team	Total Points	Status
Lone Star Racin’	1891	Chasin’ the Sparkle ✨🌈
Windy City Racin’	1632	Lost in the Cyclone 🌪️ 🔧

• Leesl’s Lone Star Racin’ – These boots are meant for racing!
  • Hamlin, Logano, Reddick, Byron, Briscoe, Wallace, SVG, Chastain.
• Andy’s Windy City Racin’ – From second city to first place!
  • Elliott, Larson, Blaney, Bell, Bowman, Buescher, Keselowski, Zilisch.

Join the Crew!

The road to the championship runs straight through the Heartland this weekend. Do you think Larson can pull off the upset, or is Hamlin a lock for win number five? Click into the comments and let us know who you’ve got for the checkered flag! 🏁👇