KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Saturday night (all times local):
7:45 p.m.
Kevin Harvick won the first stage of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway, driving right to the front after every pit stop in a dominant performance over the first 80 laps.
Chase Elliott was second with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kyle Larson and Kurt Busch in the top five.
Elliott was among those whose car failed inspection twice, sending him to the back of the field to start the race. But he deftly worked his way to the front, and he was leading until Harvick breezed past him with seven laps left in the stage.
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6:30 p.m.
The green flag has flown and the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway has begun with a gray sky and cold temperatures that could allow some big names to drive to the front.
Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr. and Joey Logano were among 11 drivers whose teams failed the prerace inspection. They were forced to line up behind cars that cleared on the first try.
The new rules package was expected to make passing difficult at Kansas, but the weather should give the guys in the back a chance. Once they get to the front, though, they will have to contend with defending race winner and pole sitter Kevin Harvick.
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5:30 p.m.
The car chiefs for Joey Logano, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson were ejected after their cars failed inspection for a second time ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.
All three made it through on the third try.
The trio was joined by eight others in failing the first round of inspection, including Aric Almirola, who qualified on the outside of the first row. In fact, five of the top eight qualifiers were sent to the back of the pack for failing inspection, including Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr.
Pole-sitter Kevin Harvick made it through clean. Clint Bowyer will start next to him.
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3:30 p.m.
Kevin Harvick is on the pole and Stewart-Haas teammate Clint Bowyer will be right with him when the green flag drops on Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.
SHR actually swept the first four spots in qualifying, but Aric Almirola and Daniel Suarez were among numerous cars that failed inspection on Saturday. That means Almirola, who qualified second, and Suarez, who was fourth, will have to start behind all those who passed.
That includes the third row of Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. as well as Kyle Larson.
Rain swept through the area early Saturday, but dryers were on the track all afternoon and the race was expected to start on time. More rain is expected to hold off until after the conclusion.
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