Updated NASCAR Playoff cutline after stage 1 at Bristol Night Race
The NASCAR Playoffs now have two drivers locked into the Round of 12. After Stage 1 at the Bristol Night Race, Christopher Bell is locked in. There are a few other drivers that are creeping up on advancing.
It has been another solid day for Alex Bowman so far. Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott William Byron, and Denny Hamlin are all having strong races as well.
Larson is dominating early, on his way to leading 200+ laps. But it was Bell who locked himself into the Round of 12 after Larson won the opening stage.
Here is the points breakdown from Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut.
After two poor results to open up the Round of 16, Hamlin looked like he was well on his way out of the NASCAR Playoffs. Right now, as the race goes through Stage 2, Hamlin is moving through the field and slowly approaching Bell and Larson in the lead.
Even if Hamlin can get up to second, beating Larson will be another ordeal entirely. That 5 car has been fantastic all night long and it appears the Hendrick Motorsports driver is locked in.
The only non-playoff driver that has been in the top-10 for most of the race tonight is Bubba Wallace. If this race gets messy, he could maybe steal a victory. While it has been a clean race so far, that can change in a heartbeat.
Chase Briscoe is making a valiant effort. He just might drive himself into the next round of the NASCAR Playoffs after coming in as an underdog. Then again, disaster is around the corner. When racing at Bristol, no one is safe.
Bell, Bowman advance – Harrison Buron eliminated from NASCAR Playoffs
Harrison Burton will not advance to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs. He was officially eliminated during Stage 2. Burton lost power steering and took his car behind the wall for repairs. It is too much for him to overcome.
Burton stole a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs with his massive win at Daytona a few weeks back. However, the Cinderella Story comes to an end for Burton and Wood Brothers Racing.
So, drivers are eliminated, drivers are advanced as well. Through two stages of the Bristol Night Race, Christopher Bell and Alex Bowman have locked themselves into the Round of 12. Whatever happens from here on out, they don’t have to worry about it.
Ty Gibbs is in serious danger of being eliminated. This is his first season in the playoffs. No shame in getting eliminated. But there is a little bit of disappointment after how well Gibbs raced here earlier in the season. Overall, the first half of the year was the best half for Gibbs.