(KANSAS CITY) It’s been nearly two months since the Xfinity Series was last in action at Iowa Speedway in early August, but the drivers were back on track at Kansas and ready for action Tuesday as 28 drivers took the green flag for the penultimate round of the Xfinity Series.
Michael Atkins, Jr. and Tom Giannini led the field the green flag, which didn’t stay out long as the caution flew on on lap two. Cautions came early and often at Kansas as the late afternoon sun wreaked havoc on the field.
Eleven cautions flew over the 100 mile race, slowing the race to a crawl. Only five drivers led the race; Sam Maxwell and Ty Hester both led for 28 laps each while Atkins, Jr. led for seven laps, Pete Baskins for three laps, and Jared Mogard for one lap.
When the race was green, the racing was great with three wide action and dramatic passes coming nearly every corner, just as expected for Kansas Speedway.
In the end, it was Sam Maxwell taking the lead on lap 39 and never looking back to take home the win, his second of the season. Brad Cross, the Truck Series winner at Kansas earlier this year, was second followed by Tom Giannini in third, Robby Baskins fourth and Ben Nile fifth.
Five drivers entered race with championship hopes, two drivers left the track with a shot being crowned champion next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Jim Foose entered Kansas with a 38 point lead over Robby Baskins, but was involved in an early incident and raced all race to finish eight and left Kansas with a 34 point lead. Foose needs only to finish 29th or better at Homestead-Miami Speedway next week to take home his first Xfinity Series championship.