NASCAR: New Hampshire Post-Race Grades

LOUDON, NH - SEPTEMBER 24: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Caramel Toyota, poses with the trophy in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ISM Connect 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 24, 2017 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1 of 5

LOUDON, NH – SEPTEMBER 24: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Caramel Toyota (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NASCAR went north for the second playoff race this year at New Hampshire. In the end, it was Kyle Busch holding the giant lobster and securing his spot in the Round of 12.

At this point, we know four drivers will be safe from NASCAR playoff extinction after this weekend at New Hampshire. Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch punched their tickets by winning the two opening playoff races. Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski were able to make the Round of 12 the old-fashioned way on points.

However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows for other playoff drivers. After a little bit of help from Austin Dillon, Kevin Harvick had his day end early. Fellow teammate and contender Kurt Busch was unable to stop in time before hitting Harvick, ending the day for both teams. Kasey Kahne saw his chances of making it to the next round diminish after a track bar issue ended his day early.

Above all, eight spots remain for the Round of 12. What we know already is that four drivers are in. The drivers in positions 5 through 10 are in decent shape and the last two spots are really the sports that are up for grabs at Dover on Sunday. New Hampshire Motor Speedway report cards are in and it is now time to grade last weeks performances.

Home/NASCAR