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Cup North Star Racing

Vasquez Sweeps the Stages and Wins at Kansas

Zach Johnson Updated Oct 1, 2026

Nic Vasquez delivered a commanding performance at Kansas Speedway, winning both stages before capturing the race victory in a 200-lap battle. Vasquez led 103 laps and finished 0.302 seconds ahead of Caleb Sheets to secure the win. With seven leaders, 14 lead changes, and nine cautions for 27 laps, Kansas brought plenty of competition, but Vasquez consistently remained among the front-runners.

The victory also strengthened Vasquez’s position at the top of the North Star Racing standings, as the championship battle continues to develop.

Race Results

  1. Nic Vasquez
  2. Caleb Sheets
  3. Tyler Krawczyk
  4. Allen Phillips
  5. Stewart Harding Walker
  6. John Connor10
  7. Haden Higginbotham
  8. Michael Deitch
  9. Zach Thomas Johnson
  10. Joe T Wright
  11. Joe Gibbons
  12. Joshua Pittman
  13. Steven Carlile
  14. Cory Mott
  15. Walt Clough

Race Stats: 200 laps | 2 hours, 7 minutes | 7 leaders | 14 lead changes | 9 cautions for 27 laps

Stage 1: Vasquez Takes the Early Lead

Nic Vasquez started the race by establishing himself as the driver to beat, taking the Stage 1 victory after leading 32 of the segment’s 42 laps. Vasquez collected 10 stage points and set the tone for what would become a dominant afternoon.

Zach Thomas Johnson finished second, followed by Stewart Harding Walker in third. Allen Phillips finished fourth, with Steven Carlile rounding out the top five. Michael Deitch, Haden Higginbotham, Tyler Krawczyk, John Connor10, and Joe T Wright completed the top 10.

Vasquez’s stage win gave him valuable points early in the race and positioned him to continue competing for the overall victory.

Stage 2: Vasquez Completes the Sweep

Vasquez carried his momentum into Stage 2, once again taking the checkered flag to complete the stage sweep. He led 17 laps of the 48-lap segment and earned another 10 stage points.

Allen Phillips finished second, followed by Zach Thomas Johnson in third and Stewart Harding Walker in fourth. Michael Deitch placed fifth, with Tyler Krawczyk, John Connor10, Steven Carlile, Haden Higginbotham, and Caleb Sheets completing the top 10.

With both stage victories secured, Vasquez headed into the remainder of the race with a strong points haul and continued control of the event.

Race Recap: Vasquez Seals the Victory

Vasquez converted his strong stage performances into a race win, leading a race-high 103 laps and completing all 200 laps without recording an incident. His 75-point day included 55 race points and 20 stage points.

Caleb Sheets finished second, just 0.302 seconds behind Vasquez. Sheets led 24 laps and earned a runner-up result despite collecting only one stage point.

Tyler Krawczyk finished third after starting from the pole. Krawczyk led 10 laps and scored eight stage points. Allen Phillips brought home fourth, leading 12 laps and earning 16 stage points.

Stewart Harding Walker completed the top five. Walker led 34 laps and collected 15 stage points, adding another strong finish to his season.

John Connor10 finished sixth, while Haden Higginbotham and Michael Deitch finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Zach Thomas Johnson came home ninth, and Joe T Wright rounded out the top 10.

Steven Carlile finished 13th after completing 126 laps before disconnecting. Joshua Pittman also experienced a difficult race, finishing 12th, while Cory Mott and Walt Clough completed the final two positions.

Championship Implications

Vasquez’s Kansas victory extended his lead in the championship standings. He now sits first with 2,290 points, 37 points ahead of Steven Carlile, who holds second with 2,253.

Tyler Krawczyk remains third with 2,245 points, while Zach Thomas Johnson sits fourth with 2,231. Caleb Sheets is fifth with 2,229 points, keeping the top five closely grouped.

Only 61 points separate the championship leader from fifth place, leaving several drivers within reach as the season continues.

Top 10 in the Standings

  1. Nic Vasquez — 2,290 points
  2. Steven Carlile — 2,253 points
  3. Tyler Krawczyk — 2,245 points
  4. Zach Thomas Johnson — 2,231 points
  5. Caleb Sheets — 2,229 points
  6. Alex Rogers — 2,200 points
  7. Stewart Harding Walker — 2,191 points
  8. John Connor10 — 2,186 points
  9. Michael Deitch — 2,180 points
  10. Cory Mott — 2,152 points

Driver of the Race: Nic Vasquez

Nic Vasquez earns Driver of the Race honors after sweeping both stages and winning the event. He led 103 laps, completed the full 200-lap distance, recorded no incidents, and earned 75 total points. The result also strengthened his championship lead, making Kansas a significant race in his season.

Looking Ahead

Vasquez leaves Kansas with both the race victory and a stronger hold on the championship lead. However, Steven Carlile, Tyler Krawczyk, Zach Thomas Johnson, and Caleb Sheets remain within 61 points of the top spot.

With the standings still tightly grouped near the front, the next race provides another opportunity for the challengers to gain ground. Vasquez will look to carry his Kansas performance forward as the championship battle continues.