By Aaron Bearden, Motorsports Editor

On the day following each regular season 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. 

Xfinity Series

Track: Talladega Superspeedway

Event: Sparks Energy 300

Race Winner: Spencer Gallagher

Stage Winner(s): Daniel Hemric, Elliott Sadler

Who Won Big

• Spencer Gallagher: After showing surprising pace throughout the early year, Gallagher and GMS Racing finally capitalized to claim their first Xfinity Series win. As a result the 28-year-old has clinched a berth in the postseason, with five playoff points to carry with him.
• Elliott Sadler and Daniel Hemric: Much like last week, Sadler and Hemric combined to claim the race’s two stages, earning a playoff point apiece in the process.
• Brandon Jones: He keeps drawing closer to victory lane. Jones earned a runner-up result in Alabama, rising to a clear eighth in the championship standings. A few more good runs could elevate the Joe Gibbs Racing ace into the hunt for a top five position and potential for more playoff points.

 Who Hurt Their Odds:

• Austin Cindric: He gave it all he had, but Cindric’s fuel strategy ultimately went awry. As a result the Team Penske/Roush Fenway Racing prospect finished 30th, keeping him from entering the current playoff field.
• Ross Chastain: Talladega offered a chance for Chastain and JD Motorsports to make gains without the traditional equipment disadvantage, but a suspension problem relegated the veteran to a 34th-place result. He still holds 12th in the standings, but the gap to 13th-place Cindric is down to seven points.
• Ryan Truex: Talladega lasted just 32 laps for Truex, who was mired in the pack after a speeding penalty and subsequently involved in a crash. He’s still 73 points clear of the playoff bubble, but the New Jersey native will need to make up ground if he hopes to move up the standings and earn more bonus playoff points.

Playoff Standings: 

*Technically ineligible due to missed races. Would require a waiver to make the playoffs.

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Talladega Superspeedway Results

Season Totals