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: Richmond Raceway

Event: ToyotaCare 250

Race Winner: Christopher Bell

Stage Winner(s): Daniel Hemric, Elliott Sadler

Who Won Big

• Christopher Bell: After a host of near-misses, Bell finally broke through for the first time in 2018. The rookie tallied his first series victory at Richmond, earning five playoff points and rising to second in the standings as a result.
• Elliott Sadler and Daniel Hemric: Neither got the victory they wanted, and Hemric actually dropped to 29th at race’s end. But both drivers managed to claim a playoff point with stage wins in Virginia.
• Austin Cindric: After a host of early season struggles, Cindric finally showed what he’s truly capable of in Richmond. The rookie tallied a fifth-place finish in the Team Penske No. 22 Ford to dry within 11 points of Ross Chastain and the current  playoff bubble.

 Who Hurt Their Odds:

• Kaz Grala: The 2017 Camping World Truck Series playoff participant started the season off as a fringe playoff contender, but the past few races have seen Grala drop in the standings. A 30th-place run at Richmond has the rookie sitting a full 44 points out of the current playoff grid in 15th.
• Ross Chastain: His 2018 season has started off strong, but Chastain’s 18th-place run at Richmond was a rare short track miss. The South Carolinian still holds a spot on the playoff grid, but his advantage is down to 11 points over Cindric.

Playoff Standings: 

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

Playoff Points

Stage Points

Bristol Motor Speedway Results

Season Totals