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Matt Kenseth keeping calm for Kansas race

 
Published Oct. 18, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Matt Kenseth was asked at a media session for today's race at Kansas Speedway to reflect on last year's Sprint Cup Chase for the Championship.

"I can hardly remember last week," he replied, "much less last year."

Probably a good thing.

Just about everything that could go wrong for Kenseth did a week ago at Charlotte, from pit-road penalties to rubbing the wall. He ultimately finished 42nd as his title hopes took a major hit.

Now he prepares for today's Hollywood Casino 400 in desperate need of a victory that would guarantee him one of the eight spots in the third round of the Chase

If not today, then next week at Talladega — the home of unpredictability.

"For me it's really no different. We try to show up and try to do the best we can every week," Kenseth said. "Same this week. Obviously a win moves you on, but I don't think this is a must-win."

Kenseth has reason to be optimistic. He has won twice and been on the pole twice at Kansas and has six top-five finishes at the speedy 11/2-mile tri-oval. He has led more than 500 laps.

Then, consider that both he and his four-car Joe Gibbs Racing team lead the circuit in victories, with five and 13 respectively.

So will all that make Kenseth more apt to take some chances in the 400-mile race?

"The rewards are greater if you win, obviously. I don't know if the penalty is worse or not" if a risky move fails, he replied. "From what happened last week, we had a lot of things that got us to where we are, had a lot of things go wrong."

Xfinity: Kyle Busch earned his fifth victory this season in NASCAR's second-tier series and 75th career, extending his record, by edging Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kenseth in the Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway. Busch grabbed the lead for good in his Toyota with 15 laps to go.

NHRA: Funny Car points leader Del Worsham kept the top qualifying position for today's Fall Nationals in Dallas as his track record from Friday held up. Dave Connolly (Top Fuel), Drew Skillman (Pro Stock) and Jerry Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also led their classes.