Martin Truex Jr. clinches spot in NASCAR Playoffs despite wrecking early at Darlington
With Chris Buescher failing to earn enough stage points today at Darlington, Martin Truex Jr. is locked into the NASCAR Playoffs. Things were not looking great when Truex wrecked on Lap 3 today.
While Martin Truex Jr. had an early mistake, things are fine for the 19 team. They were able to build up enough points to the cutline where a mistake like today didn’t matter.
Had Buescher not fallen off so much in Stage 2, Truex could be looking at a scenario where he missed the playoffs. That won’t happen now. Joseph Srigley of Racing America broke down the points battle.
On Lap 3, Martin Truex Jr. wrecked while racing William Byron for position. Getting into the 24 a bit, Truex tried to only wreck himself. That did not work out as he slammed into Ryan Blaney and put the 12 car into the wall.
For two stages, it was a nerve-wracking night. Truex Jr. and his team had no idea if they were going to get pointed out of the NASCAR Playoffs or not. All eyes were on that No. 17 car of Chris Buescher, who failed to pick up enough stage points.
At the end of Stage 2 with Buescher finishing outside of the points, it was finalized. Martin Truex Jr. is going playoff racing in his final full-time season.
Martin Truex Jr. winless in regular season
The regular season has not been great for Martin Truex Jr. Last season, Truex was the regular season champion. He had three wins and a number of great performances. Then there is this season…
During the year, Truex Jr. has had ups and more than a few downs. There have rarely been races where it felt like Truex Jr. had a winning car. There was the first Richmond race this season where Denny Hamlin stole it from him on the final restart. Other than that…nothing.
Joe Gibbs Racing has also had trouble this year. Engine issues throughout the summer hurt all four of their drivers. It felt like the speed was gone from their cars for a number of weeks.
Despite all of the problems, Martin Truex Jr. did just enough. He built up his points cushion on the cutline and that allowed him to have a mistake today and be alright. It was a bit too close for comfort in the end, but it all worked out.