Where the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Contenders Stand Heading Into Charlotte

The NASCAR Cup Series has just wrapped up the Talladega leg of the 2020 calendar. True to its nature, the Talladega Speedway produced a chaotic race, complete with a multitude of huge crashes. Now, the drivers will head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the final round of the Round of 12 Playoffs.

With their respective wins, Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch are comfortably through to the Round of 8. Even Kevin Harvick should breeze through since he is 68 points clear of the cutoff line.

Now, the pressure’s on the likes of Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Joey Logano to maintain their positions.

On the other end of the scale, Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Clint Bowyer, and Aric Almirola are the ones in danger. For Busch, this is quite possibly his last chance to try and come away with a maiden win in 2020.

It would be poor form on his part if he were to end the 2020 campaign on a massive dry spell. Especially since he is the defending Cup Series champion.

How can the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs drivers qualify for the Round of 8?

Next weekend, Talladega race winner, Denny Hamlin can rest easy at Charlotte, along with title rival Kevin Harvick. In Harvick’s case, he has nothing to lose, as he can clinch a berth even if he finished 29th with no stage points. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott needs to finish at least 5th. In addition to that, the likes of Brad Keselowski would need to finish at least 2nd to stand a chance to make it.

Finally, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Joey Logano need a win to secure their berth. Kurt Busch is already into the next round, courtesy his Las Vegas win. However, Austin Dillon, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, and Aric Almirola need a miracle. Obviously, each of their individual results depends on what happens to the other NASCAR drivers.

Of course, Kyle Busch will be dreading every time he is in proximity to Joey Logano. In nearly every crash that he has been involved in, Logano was either the cause of it or was involved somehow. It is almost as if they are magnetically drawn to each other and are forced to collide in every race.

Busch has already made his feelings clear about the #22 driver. Logano even retaliated against the defending champion, though Busch would be justified several times at Las Vegas and now at Talladega.

ALSO READ- “He’s Nobody’s Friend”- Kyle Busch Expresses His Frustration at Joey Logano