This weekend’s race at the Bristol Motor Speedway will be a crucial one. While Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick can relax because they are already through to the next round of the Playoffs, the other 14 contenders have to really slog it out. In the end, four drivers will be forced to walk away unhappy. But the question is, will Bubba Wallace and Martin Truex Jr be among those few?

The ‘Last Great Colosseum’ has a bit of a reputation for being a difficult track to master. Of course, the qualifying to decide the grid positions for the race is already done. The last time the Cup Series was at the Bristol Motor Speedway was a few months ago during the Food City Dirt race. At that time, Christopher Bell won the race, but the last Bass Pro Shops winner was Chris Buescher. Heading into Sunday’s race, here are the big storylines in the NASCAR Cup Series community.

Bubba Wallace needs to win to reach the Round of 12

For the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Bubba Wallace is in the Playoffs. This means that no matter what happens, the worst that he can finish is 16th place. However, the #23 driver will be eager to finish higher and hopefully reach the Round of 12. The 23XI Racing team has generally been very quick, this year.

Considering that teammate Tyler Reddick has a race win, there is really no excuse for Wallace. He is currently sitting in 14th place, with only Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr to beat. At the same time, he cannot let Michael McDowell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr outscore him.

Martin Truex Jr needs to score enough points to reach the Round of 12

If there is one driver who is under a lot of pressure, it is Martin Truex Jr. This year, he has experienced an upsurge in form, taking three wins this season. In spite of this, he finds himself just outside the Playoff bubble to qualify for the Round of 12. The good news is that he is just seven points adrift of that elusive 12th place. All that he needs to do is quality well at Bristol and outscore his rivals in the race itself. For that, he will need to tap into that earlier excellent form of his.

Kevin Harvick aiming to end his final season on a high note

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The 2023 season will be the last season for Kevin Harvick. So it is obvious that he wants to bow out on a high note. Currently, he occupies the final spot in the Top 12 and is the most under threat. What doesn’t help his case is the fact that the Stewart-Haas Racing team has struggled this year? As a matter of fact, Harvick has yet to take a first win this season and could possibly end his career on 60 wins.

Joey Logano hoping to defend his Cup Series crown

Logano is another driver who is under a fair bit of pressure. Although he sits in 11th place in the standings, he will be wary of Harvick and Truex Jr leapfrogging him. As the 2022 Cup Series champion, it would not be a good look for him, if he was eliminated in the opening Playoff round. Bristol would be a good place to keep his championship hopes alive, as long as he can outscore his rivals.

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Kyle Busch trying to score his 10th Bristol win

Kyle Busch is currently second in the all-time winners list at Bristol. The Richard Childress Racing driver is safely in the Top 12. However, it is worth mentioning that he has nine wins at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

So he will be on the hunt for his tenth career win at the racetrack. This includes five Food City 500 wins, three Bass Pro Shop wins, and 1 Food City Dirt race. So he could be a favorite to grab his tenth win and secure an automatic Playoff berth.

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