Playoff Points: Richmond 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: Richmond Raceway

Event: Federated Auto Parts 400

Race Winner: Kyle Busch

Stage Winner(s): Martin Truex Jr. (Won Both Stages)

Who Won Big

• Kyle Busch: After a few weeks — and two opening stages — of struggles, Busch and the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team rebounded in the latter half of the Richmond race to secure a victory and season sweep at the Richmond oval. Just like that Busch is clear to the Round of 12, with five extra playoff points to take with him.
• Martin Truex Jr: Continual Richmond heartbreak aside, Truex won two stages and placed himself out of elimination range for the Round of 16 finale last weekend. Given that the cutoff race is the Roval, clinching a pass to the next round on points is something to celebrate.
• Aric Almirola, Austin Dillon and Chase Elliott: Three quiet, consistent nights pushed this trio of playoff underdogs into a favorable position heading into the Roval. The most notable of the group is Elliott, whose 47-point outing pushed him from outside of the playoff cutoff to the right side of the bubble by 10 points.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• Erik Jones and Denny Hamlin: Another set of subpar performances left Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Jones and Hamlin well beyond the cutoff heading into the unpredictable Roval. If they can’t score a bevy of stage points then it’ll likely take a Roval win to make the second round.
• Kurt Busch and Ryan Blaney: They’re both still clear of the cutoff, but finishes of 18th and 19th, respectively, left Busch and Blaney in danger heading to Charlotte. Busch holds a 15-point advantage, but Blaney sits on the bubble with just four points separating him from an early postseason exit.
• Clint Bowyer: Another poor showing. Bowyer managed to salvage a top 10 at race’s end, but in securing just 27 points the Kansas native left himself on the wrong side of the bubble heading into the Round of 16 finale. He’ll need to make up four points to avoid early elimination.

 Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Season Totals