Kyle Larson steals a point from Martin Truex Jr. at the end of Stage 1 at Bristol

Keep an eye on the cutline tonight, folks. Kyle Larson stole a point from Martin Truex Jr. at the end of Stage 1 at Bristol. Larson, locked into the NASCAR Round of 12 with a win at Darlington, beat Truex by inches to end the stage for P8.

The reason why this is major, the regular season champion is outside of the top-12. While he has a good chance of advancing if he can keep running in the top-10 and possibly the top-5, Truex could kick himself if he get eliminated by a single point.

As for Larson, he doesn’t need the point. Of course, you race to race no matter what. The 5 isn’t cutting the 19 a break there because he might get eliminated. In fact, it probably helps Larson’s championship odds if Martin Truex Jr. gets eliminated.

One point could make all the difference.

Kyle Larson finished ahead of Martin Truex Jr. at the end of Stage 1. #NASCARPlayoffs

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— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 16, 2023

Kyle Larson has a fast Chevy Camaro tonight, folks. It isn’t just the Stage 1 finish that was impressive. Let’s remember, Larson started from the rear, not once, but twice. Due to adjustments made to his car, he had to start the race dead last.

After a penalty on pit road for running over equipment, Larson had to once again go to the back. He was STILL able to get into the top-10 by the end of the stage.

Kyle Larson takes the lead in Stage 2, Martin Truex Jr. struggles

Even though Christopher Bell led the race from the start and led for dozens and dozens of laps in the first and second stages, Kyle Larson was inevitable. Martin Truex Jr. on the other hand was fighting to stay in the top-25.

With 60 laps to go in the second stage, Larson had lapped three playoff drivers – Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, and Ross Chastain.

Martin Truex Jr. was fighting for a top-25 spot between Ty Dillon and Justin Haley. While a lot can happen due to cautions and long stages at Bristol, it doesn’t look great for Truex and the 19 team. If he goes down a lap to Larson, it will be detrimental to his chances at making the Round of 12.

Truex entered the playoffs as the regular season champion. His exit at Kansas after just four laps did not help him whatsoever. In fact, he’s in this position because of that. One mistake, one moment of bad luck and you will find your season slip from your hands. The NASCAR Playoffs are difficult and provide plenty of drama.