Playoff competitors face Round of 12 elimination race at the Charlotte ROVAL
The intense NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 comes down to this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course for the Bank of America ROVAL 400 elimination-race at 2 p.m. ET this Sunday, October 13 on NBC, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90). The 12-driver Playoff field will be cut to eight as four driver’s title hopes will come to an end this weekend.
Ever since the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has joined the NASCAR Cup Series postseason in 2018, it has proven to be a wildcard event with twists and turns that challenge the competitors along its multi-elevational 2.28-miles.
Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron has accumulated enough pints this round to clinch his spot into the Round of 8, leaving seven of the eight spots still available on Sunday at Charlotte.
Currently below the Round of 8 cutline heading into this weekend are two-time series champion and Team Penske driver Joey Logano (-13), Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez (-20), Team Penske’s Austin Cindric (-29) and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe (-32).
| 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings Outlook | |||||||
| Following Talladega Superspeedway – October 6, 2024 | |||||||
| Round of 12 – Race No. 5 of 10 | |||||||
| Rank | Driver | Vehicle | Points | Race Wins | Stage Wins | Playoff Pts | +/- Cutoff |
| 1 | William Byron | 24 | 3,122 | 3 | 2 | 23 | In On Points |
| 2 | Christopher Bell | 20 | 3,105 | 3 | 10 | 32 | 57 |
| 3 | Kyle Larson | 5 | 3,100 | 5 | 12 | 47 | 52 |
| 4 | Denny Hamlin | 11 | 3,078 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 30 |
| 5 | Alex Bowman | 48 | 3,074 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 26 |
| 6 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | 3,073 | 2 | 4 | 19 | 25 |
| 7 | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 3,062 | 2 | 3 | 28 | 14 |
| 8 | Chase Elliott | 9 | 3,061 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 13 |
| 9 | Joey Logano | 22 | 3,048 | 2 | 2 | 12 | -13 |
| 10 | Daniel Suarez | 99 | 3,041 | 1 | 1 | 6 | -20 |
| 11 | Austin Cindric | 2 | 3,032 | 1 | 4 | 9 | -29 |
| 12 | Chase Briscoe | 14 | 3,029 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -32 |
Construction began on Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) in 1959, and the track’s first NASCAR Cup Series race was held on June 19, 1960 – won by Joe Lee Johnson in a Chevrolet.
It wasn’t until 2017, that the track underwent renovations to add what is now known as the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (ROVAL), a 2.28-mile, 17-turn, multi-elevational road course that incorporates the oval portion of the track.
All the NASCAR Cup Series on-track action kicks off with a pair of practices at 12:30 p.m. ET and 1:15 p.m. ET followed by Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 2 p.m. ET (USA, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Charlotte ROVAL Clinch Scenarios: Advancing to the Round of 8
The Bank of America ROVAL 400 (Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) is the last chance for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff contenders to secure their spot in the Round of 8. After Races at Kansas and Talladega, only one driver has locked themself into the Round of 8 – William Byron (clinched on points) – heading into this weekend leaving 11 Playoff contenders vying for just seven positions.
Already Clinched
The following driver has clinched a spot in the 8-driver field of the next round: William Byron.
Can Clinch Via Points
If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 9th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among William Byron, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick or Chase Elliott.
- Christopher Bell: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Kyle Larson: Would clinch with 4 points
- Denny Hamlin: Would clinch with 26 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 30 points
- Ryan Blaney: Would clinch with 31 points
- Tyler Reddick: Would clinch with 42 points
- Chase Elliott: Would clinch with 43 points
- Joey Logano: Could only clinch with help
- Daniel Suarez: Could only clinch with help
- Austin Cindric: Could only clinch with help
- Chase Briscoe: Could only clinch with help
If there is a new winner from Joey Logano or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 8th winless driver in the standings.
- Christopher Bell: Would clinch with 11 points
- Kyle Larson: Would clinch with 16 points
- Denny Hamlin: Would clinch with 38 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 42 points
- Ryan Blaney: Would clinch with 43 points
- Tyler Reddick: Would clinch with 54 points
- Chase Elliott: Would clinch with 55 points
- Joey Logano: Could only clinch with help
- Daniel Suarez: Could only clinch with help
- Austin Cindric: Could only clinch with help
- Chase Briscoe: Could only clinch with help
Can Clinch Via Win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
- Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe
Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in the Playoffs
This season is the seventh-time the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race. (2018-2024).
In total, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has occupied two positions on the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs schedule. From 2018-2019, the Charlotte Road Course hosted the third race in the Cup Series Playoffs (the Round of 16 elimination race), and from 2020-2024, the Charlotte Road Course has hosted the sixth race in the Cup Series Playoffs (the Round of 12 elimination race).
The 2024 season marks just the fifth-time the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has hosted the sixth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs (2020-2024) – the elimination race of the Round of 12.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (2020-2024) is the fourth different track to host the sixth race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs (2004-Present); joining Martinsville Speedway (2004-2010), Talladega Superspeedway (2011, 2013-2016) and Kansas Speedway (2012, 2017-2019).
A total of five different drivers have won a NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, led by Hendrick Motorsport’s Chase Elliott with two victories (2019, 2020).
| Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course Playoff Race Winners (2018-2023) | ||||
| Date | Race Winner | Crew Chief | Organization | Race Number |
| Sunday, September 30, 2018 | Ryan Blaney | Jeremy Bullins | Team Penske | 29 |
| Sunday, September 29, 2019 | Chase Elliott | Alan Gustafson | Hendrick Motorsports | 29 |
| Sunday, October 11, 2020 | Chase Elliott | Alan Gustafson | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| Sunday, October 10, 2021 | Kyle Larson | Cliff Daniels | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| Sunday, October 9, 2022 | Christopher Bell | Adam Stevens | Joe Gibbs Racing | 32 |
| Sunday, October 8, 2023 | AJ Allmendinger | Matt Swiderski | Kaulig Racing | 32 |
Twice the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has gone on to win the championship later that same season – 2020 and 2021.
- In 2020, Chase Elliott won at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was the first of three wins during his 2020 postseason run.
- In 2021, Kyle Larson won at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was the second of his record tying five Playoff wins during the 2021 postseason.
The worst finish by a driver in the Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course that went on to win the NASCAR Cup Series title that same season was 18th by Joey Logano in 2022, then the sixth race of the Playoffs. Last season’s champion, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, finished 12th in the NASCAR Cup Series Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course Playoff race (sixth race of the Playoffs) and went on to win the title.
Only once has a non-Playoff driver won the NASCAR Cup Series postseason race at the Charlotte ROVAL – in 2023, AJ Allmendinger won the Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, he was ranked 21st in the series standings at the time of the win.
Performing in the sixth race in the Playoffs is imperative
A total of 13 different drivers have won the sixth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson with four postseason victories – all at Martinsville Speedway (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008). Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers with three victories (2009, 2010, 2019) in the sixth race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
| Race No. 6 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race Winners (2004-2023) | |||||
| Date | Track | Race Winner | Crew Chief | Organization | Race Number |
| 10/24/2004 | Martinsville | Jimmie Johnson | Chad Knaus | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/23/2005 | Martinsville | Jeff Gordon | Steve Letarte | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/22/2006 | Martinsville | Jimmie Johnson | Chad Knaus | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/21/2007 | Martinsville | Jimmie Johnson | Chad Knaus | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/19/2008 | Martinsville | Jimmie Johnson | Chad Knaus | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/25/2009 | Martinsville | Denny Hamlin | Mike Ford | Joe Gibbs Racing | 32 |
| 10/24/2010 | Martinsville | Denny Hamlin | Mike Ford | Joe Gibbs Racing | 32 |
| 10/23/2011 | Talladega | Clint Bowyer | Shane Wilson | Richard Childress Racing | 32 |
| 10/21/2012 | Kansas | Matt Kenseth | Jimmy Fennig | RFK Racing | 32 |
| 10/20/2013 | Talladega | Jamie McMurray | Kevin Manion | Chip Ganassi Racing | 32 |
| 10/19/2014 | Talladega | Brad Keselowski | Paul Wolfe | Team Penske | 32 |
| 10/25/2015 | Talladega | Joey Logano | Todd Gordon | Team Penske | 32 |
| 10/23/2016 | Talladega | Joey Logano | Todd Gordon | Team Penske | 32 |
| 10/22/2017 | Kansas | Martin Truex Jr | Cole Pearn | Furniture Row Racing | 32 |
| 10/21/2018 | Kansas | Chase Elliott | Alan Gustafson | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/20/2019 | Kansas | Denny Hamlin | Christopher Gabehart | Joe Gibbs Racing | 32 |
| 10/11/2020 | Charlotte RC | Chase Elliott | Alan Gustafson | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/10/2021 | Charlotte RC | Kyle Larson | Cliff Daniels | Hendrick Motorsports | 32 |
| 10/9/2022 | Charlotte RC | Christopher Bell | Adam Stevens | Joe Gibbs Racing | 32 |
| 10/8/2023 | Charlotte RC | AJ Allmendinger | Matt Swiderski | Kaulig Racing | 32 |
Hendrick Motorsports leads all organizations in wins in the sixth race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with eight victories (2004-2008, 2018, 2020 and 2021).
Four times a non-Playoff drivers have won the sixth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs – 2005, 2011, 2013 and 2023.
- In 2005, Jeff Gordon won the Playoff race at Martinsville Speedway he was ranked 15th in the series standings at the time of the win.
- In 2011, Clint Bowyer won the Playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway he was ranked 13th in the series standings at the time of the win.
- In 2013, Jamie McMurray won the Playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway he was ranked 14th in the series standings at the time of the win.
- In 2023, AJ Allmendinger won the Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course he was ranked 14th in the series standings at the time of the win.
Six-times the winner of the sixth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs has gone on to win the championship later that same season – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2017, 2020 and 2021.
- In 2006, Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. His only victory in the 2006 postseason.
- In 2007, Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. His first of four-straight wins in the 2007 postseason (Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas and Phoenix).
- In 2008, Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was his second of three wins in the 2008 postseason.
- In 2017, Martin Truex Jr. won at Kansas Speedway, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was the third of four wins for him in the 2017 postseason.
- In 2020, Chase Elliott won at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was the first of his three wins during the 2020 postseason run.
- In 2021, Kyle Larson won at the Charlotte Road Course, then the sixth race in the Playoffs, and went on to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title later that season. It was the second of his record tying five Playoff wins during the 2021 postseason.
The worst finish by a driver in the sixth Playoff race that went on to win the NASCAR Cup Series title that same season was:
- At Kansas Speedway (2012, 2017-2019) it has happened twice – Brad Keselowski in 2012 and Joey Logano in 2018 each finished eighth in the sixth race of the Playoffs at Kansas Speedway and then went on to win the title later those same seasons.
- At Talladega Superspeedway (2011, 2013-2016) – Jimmie Johnson in 2016 finished 23rd in the sixth race of the Playoffs at Talladega Superspeedway and went on to win the title later that season.
- At Martinsville Speedway (2004-2010) – Jimmie Johnson in 2010 and Kurt Busch in 2004 each finished fifth in the sixth race of the Playoffs at Martinsville Speedway and then went on to win the title later that same season.
- t the Charlotte Road Course (2020-2023) – Joey Logano in 2022 finished 18th in the sixth race of the Playoffs at the Charlotte ROVAL and then went on to win the title later that same season.
When the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course hosted the third race in the Playoffs (2018-2019) the winner in 2019, Chase Elliott, finished the season 10th in the final championship standings and the 2018 Charlotte ROVAL winner, Ryan Blaney, also finished the season 10th in the final standings.
This weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs elimination race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course will be 109 laps (248.52 miles) and will be broken up into three stages. The first to stages will be 25 laps each and the final stage is scheduled for 59 laps.
Playoff Crunch Time: Logano, Suarez, Cindric, Briscoe face elimination
For the drivers facing elimination this weekend in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs currently under the Round of 8 cutline – Joey Logano (-13), Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez (-20), Team Penske’s Austin Cindric (-29) and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe (-32) – it all comes down to this Sunday’s 109 scheduled laps around the ROVAL.
Following last weekend’s wild Talladega Superspeedway Playoff race that saw Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron lock into the Round of 8 on points, at the other end of the standings is Byron’s Hendrick teammate Chase Elliott, who resides in the eighth and final transfer spot on points to the next round, just 13 points up on the cutline.
Below is a closer look at the four drivers below the Round of 8 cutline.
Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford)
- Heads to the Charlotte Roval ranked ninth in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs outlook with 3,048 points, back -13 points from the Round of 8 cutline.
- This is his 11th postseason appearance and 10th since the elimination-style format was introduced in 2014, and he has advanced to the Round of 8 in eight of his appearances (2022, ’21, ’20, ’19, ’18, ’16, ’15, ’14).
- Has made six series starts at the Charlotte Roval posting two top fives and six top 10s.
Daniel Suarez (No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet)
- Heads to the Charlotte Roval ranked 10th in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs outlook with 3,041 points, back -20 points from the Round of 8 cutline.
- This is his second postseason appearance (2024, ‘22).
- Did not advance to the Round of 8 in his only other appearance in the Playoffs (2022).
- Has made six series starts at the Charlotte Roval posting a best finish of 13th in 2021.
Austin Cindric (No. 2 Team Penske Ford)
- Heads to the Charlotte Roval ranked 10th in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs outlook with 3,032 points, back -29 points from the Round of 8 cutline.
- This is his second postseason appearance (2024, ‘22).
- Did not advance to the Round of 8 in his only other appearance in the Playoffs (2022).
- Has made two series starts at the Charlotte Roval posting a best finish of 21st in 2022.
Chase Briscoe (No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford)
- Heads to the Charlotte Roval ranked 10th in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs outlook with 3,029 points, back -32 points from the Round of 8 cutline.
- This is his second postseason appearance (2024, ‘22).
- Has advanced to the Round of 8 in his only other appearance in the Playoffs (2022).
- Has made three series starts at the Charlotte Roval posting one top-10 finish.
Cup Series Playoff Dozen at the Charlotte ROVAL
Playoff elimination races amp up the intensity and this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course is no different.
Here is a quick look at the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 drivers and how they have performed at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course:
| Rank | Driver | Races | Poles | Wins | Top Fives | Top 10s | DNFs | Average Finish | Driver Rating | ||
| 1 | William Byron | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 12.5 | 106.6 | ||
| 2 | Christopher Bell | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 12.0 | 90.4 | ||
| 3 | Kyle Larson | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 17.4 | 95.8 | ||
| 4 | Denny Hamlin | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 16.8 | 74.8 | ||
| 5 | Alex Bowman | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 6.4 | 86.3 | ||
| 6 | Ryan Blaney | 6 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 10.2 | 92.2 | ||
| 7 | Tyler Reddick | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7.0 | 106.4 | ||
| 8 | Chase Elliott | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 8.2 | 111.2 | ||
| 9 | Joey Logano | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 8.7 | 95.9 | ||
| 10 | Daniel Suárez | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27.0 | 65.2 | ||
| 11 | Austin Cindric | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23.0 | 61.6 | ||
| 12 | Chase Briscoe | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19.7 | 65.9 |
It’s Not Over Yet: Drivers that have raced their way into the Round of 8
Since the introduction of the ‘elimination style’ format of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2014, several drivers have raced their way into the Round of 8 in the sixth and final cutoff race of the Round of 12.
2014: Heading to Talladega (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2014, Matt Kenseth was ranked ninth in the Playoff standings, one point back from the Round of 8 cutoff and Brad Keselowski was ranked 10th in the Playoff standings, 19 points behind the Round of 8 cutoff. Brad Keselowski won the race at Talladega and automatically advanced to the next round. Matt Kenseth finished second at Talladega and advanced on points to the Round of 8 knocking Kasey Kahne (12th-place finish at Talladega) and Kyle Busch (40th-place finish at Talladega) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Kyle Busch was second in the Playoff standings 26 points above the cutline and Kasey Kahne was eighth in the Playoff standings just one point above the Round of 8 cutoff.
2015: Heading to Talladega (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2015, Kyle Busch was ranked ninth in the Playoff standings just six points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Kyle Busch finished 11th at Talladega and advanced on points knocking his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin (37th-place finish at Talladega due to an incident) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Denny Hamlin was second in the Playoff standings, 18 points above the Round of 8 cutoff.
2016: Heading to Talladega (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2016, Denny Hamlin was ranked 10th in the Playoff standings, six points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Hamlin went on to finish third at Talladega and advanced on points knocking Martin Truex Jr. (40th-place finish at Talladega due to an engine failure) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Martin Truex Jr. was sixth in the Playoff standings, 13 points above the Round of 8 cutoff.
2017: Heading to Kansas (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2017, Kyle Busch was ranked ninth in the Playoff standings, seven points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Busch went on to finish 10th at Kansas and advanced on points knocking Kyle Larson (39th-place finish at Kansas due to an engine failure) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Kyle Larson was third in the Playoff standings, 29 points above the Round of 8 cutoff.
2018: The four drivers below the Round of 8 cutline heading into the sixth race of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at Kansas Speedway – Brad Keselowski (-1 point from cutoff), Ryan Blaney (-5), Kyle Larson (-19) and Alex Bowman (-51) – all failed to advance to the Round of 8 and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Kansas race. At Kansas, Larson finished third, Keselowski finished sixth, Blaney finished seventh and Bowman finished ninth.
2019: Heading to Kansas Speedway (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2019, Chase Elliott was ranked 10th in the Playoff standings, 15 points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Elliott went on to finish second at Kansas and advanced on points knocking Brad Keselowski (19th-place finish at Kansas) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Keselowski was fifth in the Playoff standings, nine points above the Round of 8 cutoff.
2020: Heading to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2020, Kurt Busch was ranked 10th in the Playoff standings, five points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Kurt Busch went on to finish fourth in the Charlotte Road Course race and advanced on points knocking Austin Dillon (19th-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Dillon was eighth in the Playoff standings tied with Kyle Busch (ninth) on points (3,053 each) along the Round of 8 cutline.
2021: The four drivers below the Round of 8 cutline heading into the sixth race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course – Kevin Harvick (-9 points from cutoff), Christopher Bell (-28), William Byron (-44) and Alex Bowman (-52) – all failed to advance to the Round of 8 and were eliminated from the Playoffs following the Charlotte ROVAL race. At the Charlotte Road Course, Harvick finished 33rd, Bell finished eighth, Byron finished 11th and Bowman finished 10th. Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch were tied in points for the final two position in the Round of 8 heading into Charlotte and both held on and advanced.
2022: Heading to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2022, William Byron was ranked 10th in the Playoff standings, 11 points back from the Round of 8 cutoff and Christopher Bell was ranked 11th, 33 points back in a must win situation. Bell would go on to win the race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course to advance to the Round of 8. Byron would finish the event 16th and advanced on points. Bell and Byron would knock Kyle Larson (35th-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL) and Daniel Suarez (36th-place finish) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Larson was sixth in the Playoff standings up 18 points on the Round of 8 cutline and Suarez was ranked seventh in the Playoff standings, up 12 points on the Round of 8 cutoff.
2023: Heading to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (sixth race of the Playoffs) in 2023, Tyler Reddick was ranked ninth in the Playoff standings, two points back from the Round of 8 cutoff. Reddick would go on to finish sixth the race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course to advance to the Round of 8. Reddick would knock Brad Keselowski (18th-place finish at the Charlotte ROVAL) out of the Playoffs. Heading into the elimination race, Keselowski was eighth in the Playoff standings up just two points on the Round of 8 cutoff.
NASCAR Cup Series continues stat-filled 2024 season
This is season has been filled with memory-making races that are chalk-full of great statistics. Here is a quick look at some of this season’s superlatives.
- The NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway finished with a Margin of Victory of 0.006-second – the third closest Margin of Victory at Talladega in the Cup Series and tied with the 2001 Atlanta race for the seventh closest finish in series history.
- The 2024 season has produced three of the top-seven closest finishes since the introduction of electronic scoring in 1993, the only season to have more than one finish ranked in the top-10.
- With the introduction of the Next Gen car (2022-2024), the NASCAR Cup Series has produced seven finishes that rank inside the 30 closest finishes since the introduction of electronic scoring (1993-2024), including the closest finish of all-time – 0.001-second at Kansas Speedway on May 5, 2024.
- The NASCAR Cup Series has produced 18 different winners this season, the second-most different winners through the first 31 Cup races of a season in the Modern Era (1972-2024) – the record is 19 different winners set in 2022 (first year of the Next Gen car).
- And to boot, since the Olympic break a different organization has won each of the Cup races – Richmond (Richard Childress Racing), Michigan (23XI Racing), Daytona (Wood Brothers Racing), Darlington (Stewart-Haas Racing), Atlanta (Team Penske), Watkins Glen (RFK Racing), Bristol (Hendrick Motorsports), Kansas (Trackhouse Racing) and Talladega (JTG Daugherty Racing).
- This season 13 Cup races have finished in Overtime – a new single season record, previous record was 11 set in 2017.
- This season has produced an average of 11.42 different lap leaders per race – the second-most in the Modern Era (1972-2024), behind only the 2011 season (12.55).
- The 2024 Cup season has produced the series-most in Green Flag Passes for the Lead (1,979) and Total Green Flag Passes (157,206) through 31 races since the Loop Data stat was introduced in 2005.
- Both Green Flag Passes for the Lead and Total Green Flag Passes are up significantly year-over-year (24.2% and 22.9%, respectively).
At Talladega:
- The NASCAR Cup Series Talladega Superspeedway race produced a new series and track record of 368 Green Flag Passes for the Lead – up +5.7% from this same race last season with 348 Green Flag Passes for the Lead. The 368 Green Flag Passes for the Lead are the most ever produced in a single NASCAR Cup Series event; the previous most GFPL in a single race was 348 set in lasts season’s Talladega Playoff race.
- The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway produced 66 lead changes, sixth-most at the track all-time. The series record for lead changes at Talladega is 88 set in 2010 and 2011.
- The Talladega race produced 24 lap leaders, tied with 2023 Playoff race for seventh-most at the track, the record is 29 set in 2010.
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