NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs 2023: Wallace, who is fighting for the final NASCAR Cup Series playoff slot, is the focus. Any win from 16 full-time drivers below him in the rankings might tip the scales at Daytona. Wallace is safe with a 13th-place result unless there are new winners.
The playoff environment goes beyond individual races. The tight rivalry between Martin Truex Jr. and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Hamlin indicates a planned long game. The leader receives 15 playoff bonus points at Daytona after leading by 39 points.
Owner standings complicate matters, especially with driver and car point penalties. Despite Hamlin’s 25-point deduction for intentionally causing Ross Chastain to crash at Phoenix, the No. 11 JGR Toyota is only 14 points behind Truex’s No. 19 car in the regular-season title chase.
Not only the top candidates need attention. A complicated dance happens underneath the rankings. Drivers in sixth to twelfth position are separated by 14 points, demonstrating the series’ competitiveness. Wallace’s No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota behind the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet by 30 points in the owner’s playoffs, adding another strategic layer.
Wallace from 23XI Racing dominates the NASCAR conversation. Wallace leads his closest rival by 32 points for the first time in the playoffs. Wallace admitted the Daytona race would be “stressful as hell.” Although a good driver with two Daytona 500 second-place finishes and a 2021 Talladega Superspeedway triumph, he can’t relax.
Gibbs and Suarez are wildcards, but Wallace is vulnerable. They can only qualify for the playoffs if they pass Wallace and beat probable race winners below them. They will likely aggressively pursue stage points, aiming for 20 points by winning Stages 1 and 2.
For 14 other drivers, the strategy is simple: win at all costs. Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, struggles with lost races due to injury and suspension despite his pace. Watch him because he led 157 laps at Daytona, the most in a must-win situation.
Five Daytona Cup winnersAustin Dillon, Austin Cindric, Justin Haley, Erik Jones, and Aric Almirolaincrease the stakes. Alex Bowman, A.J. Allmendinger, and Ryan Preece are among the must-win drivers. With numerous drivers in this tight place, Stewart-Haas Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Kaulig Racing suffer.
As the engines start at Daytona, the dynamics will be electric. Drivers must navigate opponents, complex team strategies, manufacturer relationships, and playoff goals. The race is for NASCAR history, not just the finish.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who made the playoffs in NASCAR 2023?
The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are just around the corner, and the cutoff is +/-1. The top contenders include Ryan Blaney from Team Penske, Kyle Larson from Hendrick Motorsports, William Byron also from Hendrick Motorsports, and Christopher Bell from Joe Gibbs Racing. These drivers are all vying for a spot in the playoffs and will need to perform at their best to secure their position. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event!
Who is still in the NASCAR playoff?
The NASCAR Playoff Standings & Drivers are in full swing, with Ryan Blaney leading the pack in his Team Penske No. 12 Ford. Blaney has had an impressive 2023 season so far, with three wins under his belt (Charlotte, Talladega-Oct, Martinsville-Oct), eight top-5 finishes, and 560 laps led. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing is also making waves in his No. 20 Toyota, while Kyle Larson and William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports are hot on their heels in their No. 5 Chevrolet and No. 24 Chevrolet, respectively. It’s an exciting time for NASCAR fans as the competition heats up.
Who are the four drivers in Nascar playoffs?
The stage is set for the Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix Raceway this Sunday. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron will battle it out for the coveted 2023 NASCAR Cup Series title. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled race as these top-notch drivers put their skills to the test. Who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!
Who is in the round of 8 in NASCAR?
The NASCAR Playoffs Round of 8 is set to kick off this weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and you can catch all the action on NBC and USA Network. The top drivers in the standings, including William Byron, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson, will be battling it out for the championship title. With so much on the line, you won’t want to miss a single lap of this exciting race. Tune in and see who comes out on top!
