KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Kansas Speedway is ready to roll for its first race of the season with the Monster Cup Series Saturday night and it's a special homecoming for one driver looking for a win on his home track.
It could be lucky number 20 for Clint Bowyer, who's originally from Emporia. He's had 19 starts at the Kansas Speedway and a victory has not been in the cards yet.
"Clint takes the time to talk to everybody. He cuts up with fans," said Joey Vinson, who volunteered for NASCAR for the past 12 years.
He's from Arkansas and said this is his home track because it's only 300 miles from his home.
He's been watching Bowyer and other drivers for years.
In March, Bowyer won his first race since 2012, ending a dry spell of 190 races.
"You can see a different pep in his step, watching him walk around. He’s just a lot happier," said racing fan Robert Hill.
It was at the Martinsville Speedway for the STP 500, guaranteeing Bowyer would have a place in the Chase for the Cup.
"I’ve been a fan the whole time. I’m not a fair weather fan, whether they’re having success or a bad year," said Megan Rohren, who watching Bowyer finish ninth at the spring meet at Kansas Speedway last year.
"He's finishing in the top ten. Any time you're finishing in the top ten a win is not far away," said Robert Hill.
Bowyer says he won't complain where his next win is, but a win in Kansas would be extra special for his family.
The pre race fan walk opens at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Gin Blossoms perform a concert before the race at 5:15 p.m.
The KC Masterpiece 400 takes off just after 8 p.m.
