KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Stewart-Haas Racing continues to share the wealth in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Saturday afternoon, it was Kurt Busch’s turn to take his place atop the speed charts, as the 2004 Cup Series champion led the way during final practice for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
Busch turned a time of 28.997 seconds (186.226 mph) on his second of 44 laps in the No. 41 Haas Automation/Mobil 1 Ford, leading the way among the 39 cars that took time during Happy Hour.
However, Busch’s lead was slim, as Erik Jones turned the second-fastest lap of 29.016 seconds (186.104 mph) in the No. 20 Craftsman Toyota and ended up just .019 of a second behind when the red and black flags waved over the 1.5-mile Sunflower State oval.
Morning practice leader Aric Almirola stayed consistent and clocked the third-best final practice time (29.057/185.842) with the No. 10 Smithfield Ford, followed closely by Kyle Busch and Paul Menard.
Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski and Clint Bowyer were sixth through eighth, respectively, with Alex Bowman ending up as the fastest Chevrolet driver in ninth. Martin Truex Jr. completed the top 10.
Polesitter Joey Logano was 12th, while Kyle Larson was lowest among the 12 playoff contenders in 20th.
Larson was still feeling out his backup car following a Friday practice crash, while his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Jamie McMurray landed 21st on the board with a backup engine in his No. 1 Chevrolet.
All 12 playoff drivers were among the top 20, including 10 of the top 13 spots.
The No. 9 of Chase Elliott and No. 32 of Matt DiBenedetto were both held for 15 minutes during final practice for failing pre-qualifying inspection twice.
Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 is slated for a 3 p.m. start time, live on NBC, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.