NASCAR: How each of the five remaining playoff drivers can win their way to Homestead-Miami
By Dustin Smith
Only one spot remains to advance to the Championship 4 of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. What does each driver need to do to make it?
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix International Raceway for this Sunday’s running of the Can-Am 500. This is the final race of the Round of 8 and only one spot remains to be clinched to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The Round of 8 has provided some great action through the first two races. Sunday’s running of the Can-Am 500 should provide viewers with even more action when five drivers battle for the last and final playoff spot. Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Jimmie Johnson are all chasing Brad Keselowski for the last playoff position. At this point, for any of the four drivers behind Keselowski to make it in, a win is almost their only option.
As a result of their wins at Martinsville and Texas, both Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch have punched their ticket to the finals. Martin Truex Jr. was able to utilize his stage wins and points cushion to clinch his spot in the final playoff race. This leaves just one spot for the other playoff eligible drivers to battle over. Brad Keselowski sits 19 points ahead of Denny Hamlin for the last spot. Keselowski’s lead is over 20 points ahead of the other three drivers left standing.
Therefore, considering a driver’s best chance of advancing would be to win, who among the last four could win to leapfrog Keselowski? Will Denny Hamlin or Ryan Blaney beat Keselowski on points alone? Let’s take a look at what each driver has to do to make the finals.