Edwards Predicts Record Speeds At Kansas

Kansas Speedway’s new racing surface will host its second race this weekend, and if recent history is any guide, speeds will skyrocket to unprecedented levels.

Last October, Kansas’ new asphalt contributed to a sizzling new track record, as Kasey Kahne bested Matt Kenseth’s one-lap standard by nearly 11 mph, with a fast lap of 191.360 mph. In fact, every driver qualified under Kenseth’s previous mark that day.

With a new, lighter Gen-6 race car featuring increased down force and a racing surface that is still loaded with grip, Kahne’s track record will almost certainly go the way of the dinosaurs, as well.

Carl Edwards tested his Roush Fenway Racing Ford recently at Kansas, and while he declined to predict how high the speeds might climb, he admitted, “it’s lightning fast.”

Edwards said Sunday’s race maybe similar to last month’s event at Auto Club Speedway, with multiple tire strategies creating a final, 10-lap battle to the finish involving a dozen or more cars.

“Those last 10 or 15 laps at California pretty much said it all to me,” recalled Edwards. “If we can put on that style of race at a track that’s two miles long and has all the aero issues that we complain about … I think this car could put on some very, very good races at these mile-and-a-half (tracks).”