Playoff Points: Texas 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: Texas Motor Speedway

Event: AAA Texas 500

Race Winner: Kevin Harvick

Stage Winner(s): Kevin Harvick (Won Both Stages)

Who Won Big

• Kevin Harvick: A dominant day is Texas ended in victory lane for Harvick, giving the veteran his eighth win of the year. Harvick’s the second driver to punch his ticket to the Championship 4, and a likely favorite to score his second Cup championship.
• Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr.: Last year’s top two drivers struggled through the day in Texas. But they survived to salvage serviceable results, keeping themselves more than 20 points clear of the cutoff heading into the Round of 8 finale. If neither team falters at ISM Raceway, then it’ll take a victory from outside of the current top four to change up the championship quartet.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• The other four drivers: For Kurt Busch, Chase Elliott, Aric Almirola and Clint Bowyer, a lack of a win or serious issue for the top four makes Texas a lost race. They’ll have to approach Phoenix with their sights on victory lane if they hope to keep their championship pursuits alive.

 Playoff Standings: 

Bold = Locked into the Championship 4

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Season Totals