Playoff Points: Richmond 2 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: Richmond Raceway

Event: Federated Auto Parts 400

Race Winner: Kyle Larson

Stage Winner(s): Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr.

Who Won Big

• Kyle Larson: Another strong late surge after a fortuitous yellow lifted Larson to his fourth win of the year, leading to the Chip Ganassi Racing ace entering the postseason with the second-highest playoff point total at 33.
• Kyle Busch Martin Truex Jr.: Neither of the Toyota Racing favorites managed to pull into victory lane, but both scored stage wins that added to their lofty playoff point totals.
• Chase Elliott, Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth: It wasn’t always pretty – don’t ask Kenseth how he feels about ambulances – but each of these three drivers did enough to score the few playoff positions available on points. That’s not the way they wanted to enter the playoffs, but it’s better to be in and winless than out and suffering the same fate.

Who Hurt Their Odds:

• Everyone Outside of the Playoff Grid: No more hopes for a surprise victory and a playoff surge. For the 14 eligible drivers that couldn’t sneak into the playoff grids, race wins and momentum are all that remain for the year.

Playoff Standings: 

Where They Stand

Safe (For Now)

• Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch
  • This trio enter the postseason with healthy advantage on playoff points.

On the Bubble

• Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch

Within Reach 

• Kasey Kahne, Austin Dillon, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray

Likely Need to Win

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Previous Race Results

Season Totals