Another non-playoff driver won a race during the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fending off the field in a green-white-checkered finish.
For those in the playoffs, little has changed. Ryan Blaney fell four spots, and Joey Logano dropped below the cutline, while Tyler Reddick moved up to seventh. The top eight drivers qualify, and if someone below the cutline wins, they automatically advance to the next round.
Playoff standings
- William Byron (No. 24) (ADV) +74
- Christopher Bell (No. 20) +57
- Kyle Larson (No. 5) +52
- Denny Hamlin (No. 11) +30
- Alex Bowman (No. 48) +26
- Ryan Blaney (No. 12) +25
- Tyler Reddick (No. 45) +14
- Chase Elliott (No. 9) +13
- Joey Logano (No. 22) -13
- Daniel Suárez (No. 99) -20
- Austin Cindric (No. 2) -29
- Chase Briscoe (No. 14) -32
This season has been full of storylines: three of the closest finishes in NASCAR history, 18 different winners through 31 races, two teams suing NASCAR, and the largest multi-car crash ever recorded.
So why didn’t the standings shift much? NASCAR made some calls after the massive crash at Talladega, sending some cars back to pit road and towing others. The move raised eyebrows, but ratings are always a driving force.
Charlotte Roval outlook: NASCAR’s road course package has been inconsistent. To do well at the Roval, qualifying is crucial, and avoiding mistakes is key. Passing has been a challenge on road courses, but the bump-and-run tactic could come into play when points are on the line.
Drivers in Good Shape
William Byron: After dominating at Talladega, Byron is locked into the next round.
Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson: Strong runs at Talladega put them in solid positions. If they score any points this weekend, they will likely advance.
The rest of the field
Denny Hamlin: Although Hamlin’s strategy of hanging back worked at Talladega, he hasn’t performed well on road courses this year. His best road course finish is 14th, but even that could be enough to get him into the next round.
Alex Bowman: Bowman won on the Chicago street course and has an average road course finish of 12.3 this season. He should have a solid weekend to advance.
Ryan Blaney: Blaney escaped disaster at Talladega and is 25 points above the cutline. He’s had steady road course results, but will likely play it safe.
Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott: Both drivers are strong on road courses and sit just above the cutline. They’ll need to score points to protect their positions in case a non-playoff driver wins.
Below the Cutline
Joey Logano: Logano’s average road course finish is 14.7, and while he hasn’t earned a top 10 in those races this year, a 13-point deficit can be overcome.
Daniel Suárez: Suárez is 20 points below the cutline and has struggled at the Roval, finishing 36th and 33rd in the last two races there. However, he has proven road course skills, so he’s not out of it yet.
Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe: Both drivers are in a must-win situation. Points alone likely won’t be enough for them to advance.
Checkered Flag Thoughts
The Roval is known for creating drama, mostly from mistakes. Expect plenty of action, but no one will be holding back when it comes time to earn points. If this season has taught one anything, it is that anything can happen.