Playoff Points: Phoenix 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: ISM Raceway

Event: Can-Am 500

Race Winner: Kyle Busch

Stage Winner(s): Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch

Who Won Big

• Kyle Busch: If there was ever any doubt about Busch advancing to his fourth-straight Championship 4, the 2015 champ quickly expelled it on Sunday. Busch drove off to his eighth win of the year, surging into the title race with momentum.
• Kevin Harvick: Sunday was far from a typical Harvick-Phoenix race, but the end goal was ultimately achieved. Harvick overcame an early flat tire and dodged the pivotal mid-race crash to finish fifth and advance to the Championship 4 on points.
• Martin Truex Jr.: Phoenix wasn’t pretty, but Truex and Furniture Row Racing survived to finish 14th and advance to the title race for the third time in four years. They’ll have a chance to drive off into the sunset with back-to-back championship seasons in their final race together.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• The other four drivers: Clint Bowyer crashed out early. Kurt Busch and Chase Elliott were lost to a late run-in with Denny Hamlin. Aric Almirola fell just short of a necessary victory. The cause for elimination varied, but the end result was the same. This quartet all watched their playoff runs come to an end in the Arizona desert.

 Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Phoenix Results

Season Totals