Sunday’s Financial institution of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will function the ultimate race of the Spherical of 12 within the Cup Sequence playoffs. Here is every part it’s essential know earlier than the essential elimination race.
What does the playoff bubble appear to be?
Chase Elliott (+13) at present holds the ultimate switch spot going into the race, with two-time champion Joey Logano (-13) the primary man out. Daniel Suarez, (-20) Austin Cindric (-29) and Chase Briscoe (-32) be a part of Logano beneath the minimize line. William Byron is the one driver protected from elimination, with Christopher Bell (+57) proudly owning the largest cushion.
Standings
1. William Byron (ADV)
2. Christopher Bell (+57)
3. Kyle Larson (+52)
4. Denny Hamlin (+30)
5. Alex Bowman (+26)
6. Ryan Blaney (+25)
7. Tyler Reddick (+14)
8. Chase Elliott (+13)
9. Joey Logano (-13)
10. Daniel Suarez (-20)
11. Austin Cindric (-29)
12. Chase Briscoe (-32)
Street-course ringers can be a risk
Pole sitter Shane van Gisbergen and third-place starter AJ Allmendinger acquired their weekend off to a quick begin in observe and qualifying on Saturday, with Allmendinger and van Gisbergen topping every of the 2 observe periods. Van Gisbergen additionally received the pole for Saturday’s Xfinity Sequence race, with Allmendinger (second) and van Gisbergen (third) each gathering top-five finishes within the first race of the weekend. Make no mistake about it: the 2 Kaulig Racing teammates can be in rivalry when the chips are down on Sunday afternoon.
Technique will decide the race
This race can be dominated by technique talks like no different. Street programs at all times convey distinctive technique to the desk, however for 11 of the 12 playoff drivers, the query of stage factors versus going for the race win will loom massive. Playoff drivers Reddick, Logano, Cindric, Larson and Elliott will all begin within the top-10, with Bell, Suarez and Blaney beginning contained in the top-15. Determining whether or not their automotive has race-winning pace early can be paramount for playoff drivers seeking to probably go for the win.
Non-playoff full timers can be in rivalry
When you’re in search of some full-time non-playoff drivers to run up entrance on Sunday, look no additional than the Ford teammates of Michael McDowell and Chris Buescher. Buescher is the latest Cup Sequence road-course winner, outdueling van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen on Sept. 15, whereas McDowell received on the Indianapolis Street Course in 2023. McDowell particularly has motivation going into Sunday’s race, because it might be his closing probability to win with Entrance Row Motorsports.
