What do drivers need to get a playoff spot?
The 2021 NASCAR Cup regular season ends this Saturday in Daytona. But with one last chance at a playoff spot, what do NASCAR drivers need to do to secure their spot?
NASCAR drivers vie for a playoff spot
Beginning in 2020, the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 400 is changing in the Cup Series calendar.
The game begins on the traditional 4th of July weekend as the finale of the regular season.
At last year’s Daytona event, William Byron won his maiden cup to secure his playoff spot.
A year ago, there were still three transition points up for grabs.
Only one spot remains in the NASCAR playoffs ahead of Saturday’s race.
This is because there are more race winners this season compared to last season.
There are 13 winners in 25 NASCAR Cup races in 2021. In the same span of 20 years, there are 10.
The winning 13 drivers guaranteed their playoff spots, while Danny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick earned points.
That means there is only one spot left for the remaining full-time Cup racers.
Tyler Reddick of Richard Childress Racing currently occupies that spot.
What do NASCAR drivers need in Daytona to get a playoff spot?
Reddick and RCR teammate Austin Dillon were the only two drivers who could theoretically “point” them in.
Redick currently holds a +25 point advantage over Dillon in third.
If a driver who has already secured a playoff berth wins, then Reddick or Dillon can advance by scoring and finishing points.
However, if the “new” drivers win at Daytona, they will get the final playoff berth.
It could be Redick or Dillon, since they haven’t won a game in 2021.
The points situation made it necessary for the likes of Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing), Daniel Suarez (Trackhouse Racing) and Matt DiBenedetto (Wood Brothers) to win.
Given the nature of Daytona, the identity of the final playoff contender will likely be revealed in a multi-car race.
What else can NASCAR at Daytona decide for its drivers?
While much of the focus will be on fighting for the final playoff spot, there’s another prize up for grabs.
The regular-season champion will be decided, with two contenders vying for the honor.
Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports recently took over the points leader from Joe Gibbs’ Denny Hamlin.
Hamlin has a solid season with three wins at Daytona (all in the 500).
Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images
The No. 11 Gibbs driver made the top five 13 times.
After Darlington, he led by more than 140 points.
But Larson’s hot midseason form has eroded him.
Larson took the lead after the Indianapolis road race.
Going into Saturday’s game, Larson led Hamlin’s 976 with 1,004 points.
Whoever wins the regular season title will earn 15 extra playoff points and 10 for the runner-up.
When is NASCAR in Daytona?
Unlike other cup matches, the game will not be played on Sunday afternoon.
It’s slightly shorter than the Daytona 500, coming in at 160 laps compared to 200 laps for the season opener.
There will be no practice or qualifying sessions with Larson on pole.
Teammate Byron will join #5 in the front row, with Hamlin in third.
With a green flag in No. 27, Redick will join Dillon in No. 17 in No. 8.
As usual, the competition will be divided into three stages. They will use a 50-50-60 format with a race warning on lap 20.
The Green Flag is scheduled for 19:45pm ET, which is 00:45am on Sunday in the UK.
Photo by Brian Loudermilk/Getty Images
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Jack usually writes or reads anything related to motorsport – from Formula 1 to NASCAR to British truck racing. His work as a motorsport reporter has been published in prestigious media such as Autosport, Motorsport.com and Motorsport News. In addition to racing, he is an avid amateur astronomer, podcast listener, and enjoys walks in the park with his three dogs.
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