Playoff Points: Kansas II Edition

By Aaron Bearden, Motorsports Editor

Following each 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: Kansas Speedway

Event: Hollywood Casino 400

Race Winner: Chase Elliott

Stage Winner(s): Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick

Who Won Big

• Chase Elliott: The Hendrick Motorsports ace entered the Round of 12 without an oval win, but he emerged with two victories in three races. Elliott’s run of success shot him up the standings, pushing the Georgian into the Round of 8 and placing him fourth in the standings heading into the semifinal round.
• Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch: It wasn’t the prettiest day for this Stewart Haas Racing duo, but they each managed to survive and advance to the Round of 8. That gives them a reset and a chance to contend for a title.
• Martin Truex Jr.: Truex entered Kansas at risk of elimination after a pair of poor showings at Dover and Talladega, but the defending champ rallied for a top five to keep his repeat hopes alive.
• Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano: This Ford duo fell short of victory lane, but each tallied a stage win and playoff point in the final race where the bonus points matter.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski: The first earned a bevy of stage points to contend for a playoff spot on points, while the latter attempted Hail Mary strategies in an attempt to score a win. But while their strategies may have differed, the end result was the same. The Team Penske duo of Blaney and Keselowski failed and were each eliminated from the postseason.
• Kyle Larson: The sprint car ace rose from the back of the field to contend for the win in the closing laps. But when the checkered flag flew Larson fell two spots short, suffering a Round of 12 elimination for the second-straight season.
• Alex Bowman: After entering the playoffs quietly and surprisingly surviving the Round of 16, Bowman and the No. 88 team knew they were playing with house money in the Round of 12. They couldn’t rise into contention and were quietly eliminated on Sunday, bringing Bowman’s first postseason run to a close.

 Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Season Totals