Playoff Points: Indianapolis Edition

By Aaron Bearden, Motorsports Editor

Following each regular season points race, Kickin’ the Tires takes a deep look at the current playoff grids for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, evaluating each team’s postseason odds and highlighting those that made steps in the right direction, as well as those who dug themselves into a hole. 

Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Event: Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard

Race Winner: Brad Keselowski

Stage Winner(s): Clint Bowyer, Matt Kenseth

Who Won Big

• Brad Keselowski: As far as playoff entrances go, back-to-back victories in crown jewel races ranks pretty high. Keselowski and the No. 2 team accomplished the one thing no Team Penske NASCAR crew had done before Sunday – winning the Brickyard 400. As a result the Michigander enters the postseason with two-straight wins and the fourth position in the standings, with 19 playoff points to carry him through the postseason.
• Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman: It’s been a long summer for Hendrick Motorsports’ seven-time champ and former fill-in driver. But when the checkered flag flew on Sunday they finally clinched the final two spots in the postseason, giving themselves a chance at a surprise playoff run.
• Kyle Busch: While he fell short of a third Brickyard 400 win, the younger Busch brother did lock up the regular season championship, earning 15 playoff points in the process.
• Clint Bowyer: He couldn’t close out what would have been a career-boosting Indianapolis win, but Bowyer did win a stage to secure a playoff point. That lone point could prove trivial in the playoffs.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• Everyone outside of the current playoff grid: For everyone outside of the playoff grid, their championship quest is over. That includes Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Paul Menard and others. Better luck next year.

 Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Season Totals