NASCAR Round of 16: At a recent panel, NASCAR experts discussed which drivers they felt would be eliminated in the Round of 16. The meeting also discussed crew chief adjustments and two Richmond Raceway races in 2024. According to experts, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, Kevin Harvick, and Christopher Bell are likely to be eliminated.
Mark Kristl expects Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, Kevin Harvick, and Christopher Bell to leave first. Kristl cited Harvick’s winless season and Stewart-Haas Racing’s poor performance. Taylor Kornhoff agreed about Stenhouse but also predicted the departures of Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney. Luken Glover warned the track may endanger McDowell, Bell, Bubba Wallace, and Ross Chastain. Zach Gillispie thought Stenhouse, Tyler Reddick, Wallace, and Blaney should go home, but Mike Neff agreed with Kristy.
The experts also talked about Harrison Burton and Austin Cindric’s recent changes in crew chiefs. Neff thought that the real effects would be seen in 2024, and it was likely that Cindric would get the most out of it. Kristl said that the move would help Burton more than Cindric because Burton has had more problems. Kornhoff thinks that Cindric will make more money because he has more ability and resources. Glover agreed that both drivers would get something out of it, but he thinks that Cindric will get the most out of it in the long run.
The group divided over a 2024 Richmond Raceway doubleheader. Glover supported the trial because it may allow teams a week off and reinstate night races. Neff proposed combining the Cup Series and NTT IndyCar Series for a unique event. Kornhoff disagreed. He stated Richmond shouldn’t get two dates when other tracks deserve them more. Kristy wasn’t sure, but a flip rule might spice up the races.
The experts also discussed Grant Enfinger’s future career. Gillispie proposed Enfinger to join JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Truck Series. Glover thought Enfinger was an underappreciated driver who should be on Kaulig Racing. Kristy thought Enfinger’s talent and few DNFs would suit Kaulig’s No. 31 Cup car. Enfinger’s best options are ThorSport Racing or JR Motorsports in the Truck Series, according to Neff and Kornhoff.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is round of 16 in NASCAR?
The Round of 16 includes Darlington Raceway, Kansas Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway. The points are reset to 2,000, and each driver’s playoff points are added to their total. Following Bristol, the four playoff drivers with the lowest points (who haven’t won in that round) are eliminated.
What NASCAR drivers are in the playoffs?
The NASCAR Cup Series features a lineup of talented drivers including William Byron, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Chris Buescher, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell. These drivers are known for their exceptional skills and competitive spirit, making for an exciting race every time. With a range of cars and strategies, each driver brings their own unique style to the track. Keep an eye out for these drivers and more as they compete for the top spot in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Who advances to the next round in NASCAR?
To move forward in the playoffs, a driver has two options. They can either win a race and automatically advance to the next round, or they can accumulate enough points to stay above the cutoff line at the end of each three-race round. This means that even if they don’t win a race, they can still progress based on their overall performance.
Who are the 16 drivers in the NASCAR playoffs 2023?
The regular season champion, William Byron (#24), along with Chris Buescher (#17), Kyle Busch (#8), Denny Hamlin (#11), Kyle Larson (#5), Christopher Bell (#20), Ross Chastain (#1), Joey Logano (#22), Tyler Reddick (#45), Ryan Blaney (#12), Michael McDowell (#34), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47), Kevin Harvick (#4), Brad Keselowski (#6), and Bubba Wallace (#23) are all set to compete in the upcoming race. With a diverse range of talented drivers, this race is sure to be an exciting one.
