The driver wins the opening race of NASCAR weekend, then a tire blows out at Kansas Speedway

Tanner Gray took victory in the opening salvo of the weekend’s auto race on Friday afternoon at Kansas Speedway.

With NASCAR action still to come, Gray took his No. 18 Toyota Camry to the checkered flag in the ARCA Menards Series Reese’s 150 on the asphalt track near the Legends complex in Kansas City, Kansas.

Gray’s timing was also impeccable: just seconds after crossing the finish line, the 25-year-old from New Mexico suffered a flat rear tire.

Next up on Friday night was the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to cap off a doubleheader in the KCK – and for Gray personally. He was also on the starting grid for the night race.

Carl Edwards will drive a NASCAR pace car

Kansas Speedway officials announced Friday that NASCAR Hall of Famer Carl Edwards will serve as a volunteer pace car driver for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET.

A native of Columbia, Edwards earned 72 victories over the course of his illustrious career. Last year he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and earlier this year he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Saturday schedule at Kansas Speedway

Fan-friendly events, practice and qualifying sessions for NASCAR Cup and Xfinity are scheduled for Saturday at Kansas Speedway.

Of course also with another marquee race.

Here is the general lineup:

• Kansas Lottery 300 practice is scheduled for 10:05 a.m., with qualifying following at 10:35 a.m., ahead of the Xfinity Series playoff race on Saturday afternoon.

• Practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series – ahead of Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 playoff race – are scheduled for 12:05 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively.

• The Kansas Lottery 300 starts immediately after the Cup qualification at 2:30 p.m

• A concert with Hudson Drive rounds off the evening at the race track.

This story will be updated.