Kansas Speedway has played host to a series of notable races during its six-year run as a NASCAR venue. None were as entertaining — at least on the final lap — as last year's spring race, one of the most dramatic spectacles in Cup Series history.
The 2024 AdventHealth 400 was a battle of titans, with a pair of Cup Series heavyweights stealing the show across the 1.5-mile surface. Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson and Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing standout Chris Buescher battled through a stout field — and a nearly four hour rain delay — to give themselves a chance to claim gold at Kansas City's most famous racing venue.
When the checkered flag swept across the frame, it appeared that Buescher captured glory. But closer examination revealed it was Larson, not Buescher, who pulled across the finish line first. His margin of victory? 0.001 seconds, the closest finish in the sport's history.
What could be on store at the track in 2025? Only time will tell. But qualifying will certainly play a major role in shaping Sunday's final results. Larson benefitted from a spot on the second row to start proceedings in last year's race, after all.
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So, who finds themselves in the most optimistic of starting positions ahead of Sunday's contest? Here's what you need to know about the pole winner and starting grid for the 2025 AdventHealth 400.
Who won the AdventHealth 400 pole for 2025?
Kyle Larson nabbed the pole during Saturday's qualifying session, posting a scorching 183.730 mph lap speed, 0.356 mph faster than second-place Chris Buescher.
Larson and Buescher finished 1-2 in last year's epic spring race at Kansas. One year later, the Hendrick Motorsports star once again pipped his Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing adversary, although Buescher's display on asphalt should inspire confidence that he can compete once more for gold on the yellow brick road.
MORE: Updated driver rankings from 2025 Cup Series
AdventHealth 400 starting lineup 2025
| Starting pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
| 1. | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 2. | Chris Buescher | 17 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing |
| 3. | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 4. | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
| 5. | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| 6. | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 7. | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 8. | Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 9. | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 10. | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 11. | Michael McDowell | 71 | Spire Motorsports |
| 12. | Justin Haley | 7 | Spire Motorsports |
| 13. | Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
| 14. | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 15. | Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
| 16. | Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 17. | John Hunter Nemechek | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 18. | Zane Smith | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 19. | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 20. | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 21. | Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 22. | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| 23. | Todd Gilliland | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 24. | Noah Gragson | 4 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 25. | Riley Herbst | 35 | 23XI Racing |
| 26. | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 27. | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | Hyak Motorsports |
| 28. | Corey Heim | 67 | 23XI Racing |
| 29. | Ty Dillon | 10 | Kaulig Racing |
| 30. | Ryan Preece | 60 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 31. | Cole Custer | 41 | Haas Factory Team |
| 32. | Jesse Love | 33 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 33. | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
| 34. | Shane van Gisbergen | 88 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 35. | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 36. | Brad Keselowski | 6 | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing |
| 37. | Cody Ware | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 38. | Josh Berry | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |