Chase Elliott clinched a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series’ Round of 8 after a thrilling victory in the playoff race at Kansas, marking his second win of the season. Taking the lead in a nail-biting finish, Elliott emerged victorious over Denny Hamlin by a mere 0.069 seconds, showcasing his racing prowess after starting eighth on the final restart. This win comes three months after his previous triumph at the Quaker State 400 in Atlanta.
Elliott’s Hollywood Casino 400 win has propelled him into the next round, alongside 2023 NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney, who had already secured his position earlier this season. As the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the Bank of America Roval 400 in Charlotte, four drivers will soon be eliminated from playoff contention. This week’s race is critical, as the checkered flag will determine who moves forward in the playoff bracket.
In an intense showdown at the Roval, reigning series champion Joey Logano managed to narrowly edge out Ross Chastain for the final spot in the Round of 8. Chastain, along with fellow competitors Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, faced elimination. In a dramatic moment, Chastain spun out during the last lap while battling for position, ultimately finishing in reverse in a bid to maintain his playoff hopes, but it wasn’t enough.
Shane van Gisbergen stole the spotlight at the Bank of America Roval 400, dominating the race to secure his series-leading fifth victory of the season. He previously clinched strong wins on non-oval circuits, solidifying his status this year. Van Gisbergen’s skill on road courses continues to impress, with top finishes at tracks like Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen.
Another highlight of the race was Ryan Blaney’s win in Stage 2, a testament to his consistency this season, as he now ties in stage victories with Kyle Larson. Both drivers, along with Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott, have ensured their places in the subsequent round, marking a significant achievement for their teams.
The upcoming race on Sunday, October 5, will be a pivotal moment for drivers vying for playoff advancement. With the Bank of America Roval 400 set to begin at 3 p.m. ET at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, fans can look forward to an exhilarating contest, streamed across several platforms including Peacock and HBO Max, ensuring that no one misses the action.
As the playoffs unfold, the atmosphere in Charlotte promises to be electric, with fans eagerly anticipating which drivers will move on and who’s journey might end. The competitive spirit of NASCAR continues to shine through, as every lap counts in the quest for the coveted championship title.