By Aaron Bearden, Motorsports Editor

Following each points race, Kickin’ the Tires takes a deep look at the current playoff grids for both the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series, evaluating the postseason picture for NASCAR’s second and third tours. 

Camping World Truck Series

Track: Talladega Superspeedway

Event: Fred’s 250

Race Winner: Parker Kligerman

Stage Winner(s): Johnny Sauter (Won Both Stages)

Who Won Big

• Johnny Sauter: He couldn’t quite bring home the win, but Sauter clinched a berth in the Round of 6 and did so with two extra playoff points after claiming the opening two stages at Talladega. Given the volatile nature of Talladega, that’s all a playoff favorite can ask for.
• John Hunter Nemechek: It proved to be a difficult round for Nemechek and NEMCO Motorsports, but the group persevered to survive to the second round of the playoffs. Now they can begin anew, with a starting spot inside of the Championship 4 cutoff.

 Who Hurt Their Odds:

• Kaz Grala: Restrictor plates giveth, and restrictor plates taketh away. Grala made his way into the postseason with a surprising season-opening win at Daytona International Speedway, but an unexpected crash early at Talladega eliminated Grala from championship contention.
• Chase Briscoe: It wasn’t a massive crash that kept Briscoe from advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Instead, it was a valve cover issue that sent the 2016 ARCA Racing Series champion to the garage and, ultimately, out of the Round of 6. His title hopes dashed, the rookie can now set his sights on a NASCAR victory.

Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Talladega Results

Playoff Totals

Season Totals