NASCAR Cup Series Playoff standings: The Round of 8 begins

After a rather mundane day at the Charlotte Roval, the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff standings have reset again for the Round of 8. Four drivers were eliminated and we now have an interesting mix of drivers vying for the final four spots at Phoenix.

AJ Allmendinger was the spoiler on Sunday. He once again found victory lane on the Roval, the first time ever in the Cup Series. It was an emotional win for Allmendinger who may be headed back to the Xfinity Series next year.

As far as the NASCAR Playoff standings go, there was a little bit of shifting. However, only one driver under the cutline entering the race was able to make it to the next round after the race. That driver was Tyler Reddick. He booted Brad Keselowski from the top eight to make the transfer.

NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings:
William Byron – 4041
Martin Truex Jr. – 4036
Denny Hamlin – 4032
Kyle Larson – 4024
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Chris Buescher – 4021
Christopher Bell – 4016
Tyler Reddick – 4016
Ryan Blaney – 4014

Bubba Wallace, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain, and Kyle Busch were eliminated.

With the points reset and another set of three races to battle it out, these drivers have a long road to Phoenix yet. Las Vegas, Homestead-Miami, and Martinsville are up next in the NASCAR Round of 8.

The NASCAR Playoff standings will be moving constantly over the next few weeks. The points have only gotten closer as the championship fight goes on.

NASCAR Playoff standings reset, drivers go all-in at Las Vegas

So, what can we expect this round? Well, I think that our most exciting race very well maybe Las Vegas. A year ago we saw the advantage winning Vegas gave Joey Logano. He had more time to focus on simulator time and other aspects of Phoenix prep. Meanwhile, others had to fight their way to the championship.

While Logano relaxed, Ross Chastain had to put his car into the wall at Martinsville to make it out west.

I fully expect our championship contenders to try and repeat that same formula this year. William Byron was the big winner earlier in the year at Vegas. I think that he will be right there. He was P1, P2, and P2 in the Round of 12 proving he is very much a championship favorite.

Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin and the Toyota group, including Bell, Truex, and Reddick, should look forward to this race. The 23XI Racing Toyota Camrys have been insanely good on intermediate tracks. Don’t count out Kyle Larson, either. This is the round where he can do a lot of damage.

The NASCAR Playoff standings are tight right now. Just 20 points separates Byron from the elimination line right now. One mistake and you can see your chance at the Bill France Cup disappear.