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. 

Xfinity Series

Track: ISM Raceway

Event: Whelen Trusted to Perform 200

Race Winner: Christopher Bell

Stage Winner(s): Justin Allgaier (Won Both Stages)

Who Won Big

• Christopher Bell: He entered Phoenix on the cusp of elimination, but Bell delivered one of the all-time great drives to keep his title chase alive. Bell drove from 38th to the lead for a dominant victory, securing his spot in the Championship 4.
• Tyler Reddick and Daniel Hemric: These two prospects have combined for just one win throughout the year, but strong Round of 8 performances elevated the pair to Championship 4 berths. A strong run at Homestead-Miami Speedway could see either driver make their title dreams come true.

Who Hurt Their Odds

• Justin Allgaier and Elliott Sadler: This pair of JR Motorsports veterans had made the Championship 4 in each of the first two playoff-era seasons of the Xfinity Series. But poor results in Phoenix led to early eliminations for them both this year.
• Matt Tifft and Austin Cindric: They gave it their all. Tifft and Cindric both managed strong top-five showings at Phoenix, driving their hearts out for an opportunity to claim a spot in the title fight. But in the end the prospects both fell just short.

Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Playoff Points Earned On-Track
Rank	Driver	Playoff Points
1	Christopher Bell	41
2	Justin Allgaier	26
3 (tie)	Ross Chastain	9
3 (tie)	Daniel Hemric	9
5	John H. Nemechek	8
6	Cole Custer	7
7 (tie)	Ryan Preece	6
7 (tie)	Tyler Reddick	6
9 (tie)	Spencer Gallagher	5
9 (tie)	Chase Briscoe	5
11	Elliott Sadler	4
12 (tie)	Brandon Jones	1
12 (tie)	Matt Tifft	1
12 (tie)	Austin Cindric	1
12 (tie)	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	1

Stage Points

Phoenix Results

Season Totals

Camping World Truck Series

Track: ISM Raceway

Event: Lucas Oil 150

Race Winner: Brett Moffitt

Stage Winner(s): Brett Moffitt and Harrison Burton

Who Won Big

• Brett Moffitt: Hattori Racing did it again. Moffitt piloted the No. 16 Toyota from third to first on the final restart, scoring another big win and confirming the team’s first Championship 4 appearance.
• Noah Gragson: The battle came down to the closing laps, but Gragson got the better of Grant Enfinger to keep the Alabamian from winning and secure the final playoff position on points. Now the sophomore can enter the Championship 4 with a clean slate.

 Who Hurt Their Odds:

• ThorSport Racing: Grant Enfinger and Matt Crafton entered and exited Phoenix on the outside of the Championship 4. Crafton struggled and Enfinger fell just short of victory to bring Ford’s title hopes to a close.

Playoff Standings: 

Playoff Points

Playoff Points Earned On-Track
Rank	Driver	Playoff Points
1	Johnny Sauter	34
2	Brett Moffitt	27
3	Justin Haley	16
4	Noah Gragson	15
5	Grant Enfinger	10
6	Ben Rhodes	9
7 (tie)	Stewart Friesen	5
7 (tie)	Timothy Peters	5
9	Todd Gilliland	2
10 (tie)	David Gilliland	1
10 (tie)	Christian Eckes	1
10 (tie)	Myatt Snider	1
10 (tie)	Harrison Burton	1

Stage Points

Phoenix Results

Season Totals